Rafale Pilot Spots Fuel Leak on Global 6000 Business Jet

A recent incident highlights the importance of air policing and the role of fighter jets in ensuring aviation safety. A French Air and Space Force Rafale pilot on a training mission identified a fuel leak on a Bombardier Global 6000 business jet at 40,000 feet, prompting the aircraft to abandon its transatlantic flight to Miami and divert to Paris-Le Bourget Airport.

## Air Policing Mission The Rafale was launched from Air Base 118 Mont-de-Marsan for a training mission, known as a Tango Scramble, which is a practice launch where fighter crews and air traffic controllers rehearse the full interception sequence. The French Air and Space Force conducts these drills daily, with 450 airmen contributing to the mission each day.

The Rafale joined the Global 6000 at cruising altitude as it routed west across France, and the interception proceeded as briefed. However, the pilot then noticed a third trail alongside the aircraft's usual contrails, thinner and dissipating more quickly. Closing in to resolve the doubt, the pilot registered a smell of kerosene and identified fuel escaping from the business jet's right wing.

## Diversion to Le Bourget The crew was alerted, and the aircraft turned north for Le Bourget after reporting the situation to air traffic control. Open flight tracking data identifies the aircraft as N1244, a Global 6000 registered to Leon Global Express of Miami. The aircraft had initially intended to continue to Miami but was forced to divert due to the fuel leak.

## France's Air Security Posture France's permanent air security posture, which keeps fighters and helicopters on alert around the clock, played a crucial role in identifying the fuel leak and ensuring the safety of the aircraft and its passengers. The command responsible for this posture, CDAOA, is responsible for identifying aircraft, assisting crews in difficulty, and enforcing the rules of the air.

The incident highlights the importance of air policing and the role of fighter jets in ensuring aviation safety. The French Air and Space Force's Rafale pilots are trained to respond to a wide range of situations, from intercepting aircraft of concern to assisting crews in difficulty. The use of fighter jets for air policing is a critical component of aviation safety, and incidents like this demonstrate their importance in preventing potential disasters.