News

Actions

No-fly zone: President Trump not allowed to use personal helicopter

Posted at 5:18 AM, Apr 10, 2017
and last updated 2017-04-11 05:45:48-04

PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) -- President Donald Trump can only look at the personal helicopter parked on the front lawn of his Mar-a-Lago resort. As far as going for a ride in it, he's grounded.

The Secret Service says standard security protocol requires the president to fly on either Air Force One, a jumbo jet, or Marine One, a helicopter. The agency says Trump was never on the helicopter.

 

It's hard to miss: The Sikorsky S-76 carries Trump's name in bold red print on the tail and step, and his personal family seal. The billionaire-turned-president owns two.

The helicopter appeared Sunday on the newly paved helipad of Mar-a-Lago, then left a few hours later. The White House didn't respond to questions about the reason the helicopter was there.

President Trump could be returning to Palm Beach County for Easter weekend.  Flight restrictions have already been issued starting Thursday.