Myrtle Rose, Chicago Grandmother Pilot, Gets Surprise Visit from F-16s

Myrtle Rose, a 75-year-old grandmother of nine and pilot, was intercepted by two F-16 fighter jets over suburban Illinois on Thursday when her small airplane crossed into airspace that had been restricted because of President Obama's arrival in the Windy City.

Not knowing that the sprightly young head of state was in town to celebrate his 50th birthday, Ms. Rose headed out on a leisurely afternoon flight without a radio before the jets suddenly – and loudly – materialized next to her and steered her back toward Mill Rose Farm Airport.

A spokesman for the North American Aerospace Defense Command told the AP that Ms. Rose was slightly shaken by the incident, saying: "Surprised was probably the right term."

Also shaken were the residents of the quiet town of South Barrington, who are somewhat unaccustomed to looking up and seeing fighter jets.