The RAF's commander for Olympic air security, Air Vice-Marshal Stuart Atha, speaks to Sky News about various threats to the Games.
Pilots of private aircraft face tough new restrictions on flying over much of southeast England from midnight as security measures are stepped up for the Olympic Games.
They will be banned completely from some parts of central London, and will need to liaise with the Royal Air Force (RAF) if they want to fly in controlled airspace, with military air traffic controllers watching their movements.
Group Captain Rich Jacob told Sky News: "We need to understand what is flying in the airspace above London.
"Therefore the pilots are going to be required to pass details of their flights in advance, have that flight approved, and then once they're airborne they need to remain in contact with air traffic control throughout their flight in the restricted airspace."
Failure to comply could result in RAF Typhoon jets or military helicopters being sent up to intercept them and guide them back on course. Unidentified aircraft which do not respond could be shot down as a last resort.
"Every effort will be made to identify that aircraft and every opportunity will be given to the pilot to regain his planned route," Capt Jacob said.
"If that didn't happen, we already ensure the security of UK airspace 24/7 throughout the year, and what we would do then is build on existing measures to take further action if necessary."
The draconian rules have been introduced to cope with both the potential security threat to Olympic sites and to help maintain some control at a busy time for air traffic controllers.
Paul Haskins, the London general manager of the National Air Traffic Services, said: "London's airspace is one of the most complex and busy in the world. We handle about 3,500 flights a day just through London alone.
Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone provided by Airtel Nigeria.
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