United States v. Ralph William Myers

LEAVY, Circuit Judge:

On August 13, 1987, appellant Ralph William Myers flew his single-engine airplane into the prohibited airspace over President Reagan’s California ranch. The timing of his flight coincided with that of President Reagan and the presidential party, who were en route to the ranch under the escort of United States Marine Corps helicopters. One of the military helicopters gave chase, identified Myers’ craft, and relayed the information to Federal Aviation Administration (“FAA”) controllers who tracked the plane to John Wayne Airport in Orange County, California.

As the appellant…