I think this is meant to detect insider knowledge of imminent risk of a nuclear attack. It's not meant to detect if nukes are already inbound.

There’s also a non-zero chance that the pilot left without you.

Insiders.

Most rich people work in cities.

They will want to get to their hideaways quickly.

> Your plane's electronics are going to get fried by EMPs.

Oldschool piston engine aircraft with magnetos will probably be fine.

If you wanted to be really sure, look into the diesel engine conversions based on good old Peugeot XUDs - and your Citroën BX will be unaffected too ;-)