A Spirit Airlines pilot was scolded by US air traffic control after not immediately responding to a controller's instructions as Air Force One flew about 16 kilometres away.

The two aircraft were flying parallel over Long Island in the north-east US on Tuesday.

Air Force One was flying President Donald Trump to the UK and Spirit Flight 1300 was flying passengers from Fort Lauderdale to Boston Logan International Airport.

"Spirit 1300, turn 20 degrees right," the New York Centre air traffic controller told the pilot, according to audio captured by LiveATC.net

After five seconds of no response, the controller radios again.

"Pay attention, Spirit 1300. Turn 20 degrees right," he says.

It takes two more attempts to reach the pilot before he responds, acknowledging the right turn.

"Spiri

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