NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman flew private military jets over Washington, D.C., despite safety objections from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This flyover took place Saturday during the America 250 celebrations over the National Mall.
A senior adviser to Isaacman petitioned the FAA to involve Isaacman’s private jet company, JDI Holdings, in these aerial demonstrations. Isaacman, known for establishing the payment processing firm Shift4 Payments, co-founded Draken International—a defense contracting company with a significant private fleet of military fighter jets.
The petition aimed to incorporate four Northrop F-5 Tiger II aircraft from Isaacman’s fleet, with NASA and U.S. Air Force pilots operating them. Documents reveal the request was “sponsored by the White House and NASA.” Nevertheless, the FAA denied the request on June 30, citing the Cold War-era F-5 as “very high-risk” for densely populated areas. FAA director Hugh Thomas highlighted that a single failure could make the aircraft uncontrollable.
Despite the denial, Isaacman proceeded with the flyover. NASA circumnavigated the restrictions by transferring the aircraft from private to public use under the space agency’s jurisdiction. This allowed the demonstration despite the FAA’s decision.
In a statement, the FAA noted that the aircraft, once designated as “public use” under NASA, became the responsibility of the space agency, not the FAA. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and Isaacman were photographed during the event, marking the occasion with excitement.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, whose department oversees the FAA, was reportedly unaware of Isaacman’s initial request. Political appointees like Duffy are not part of such decision-making processes, which involve career safety inspectors. The Department of Transportation opted not to comment.
The Wall Street Journal initially reported the FAA’s concerns. Deputy chief of staff Dan Scavino and former campaign manager Chris LaCivita were invited to participate, but their involvement was later discontinued.
Blanche joined Isaacman in the cockpit, expressing, “it was an honor to fly over the National Mall…” Isaacman reciprocated the sentiment, stating on social media that he felt privileged to pilot Blanche during the event.
A White House spokesperson appreciated NASA’s contribution to the air show, which Dennis hosted. It featured a record-breaking fireworks display in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.
The event combined President Trump’s speech, fireworks, and air show, marking it as a remarkable celebration, according to Liz Huston, the White House spokeswoman.
Reported by Miles Doran.