Sport Pilot wrote:
The plane was already 15 miles in a 30 mile zone when the F 16 took off
and was only 3 miles out when intercepted. If this was a terrorist
piloted airliner from Reagan National, takeing a northbound left turn
instead of right. The WH or capitol would be toast.

Yes, but the TSA/HSA/SS believe that they have put adequate security
precautions in for htat. National departing passengers are subject
to additional screening, and the pilots are specially trained to
get the hell away from DC if anything (passengers standing up,
etc...) occurs. We've had a bunch of diversions to IAD of
DCA flights since 9-11.

The GA flights in the FRZ reqiure that the pilots get special security
checks and there are special procedures. When security level goes to
orange, this also incoming flights first to an outlying airport to
check the passengers and "cargo". Similar restrictions on depatures
are in effect.