diff --git a/src/lib/commands/para.c b/src/lib/commands/para.c
index 10720cc3..bb2e952d 100644
--- a/src/lib/commands/para.c
+++ b/src/lib/commands/para.c
@@ -78,6 +78,10 @@ para(void)
     if (flightpath[ap_to_target - 1] == 'h')
 	ap_to_target--;
     pr("range to target is %d\n", ap_to_target);
+    if (target.sct_own == player->cnum) {
+	pr("You can't air-assault your own sector!\n");
+	    return RET_FAIL;
+	}
     /*
      * select planes within range
      */