1/1/05
FAA DOWNGRADES TFRs IN FOUR STATES
Pilots in Indiana, Kentucky, Oregon, and Washington's Puget Sound area got an early holiday present. Six temporary flight restriction (TFR) areas have become much less restrictive national security areas (NSAs). That nearly completes a process AOPA initiated earlier this year to reduce the number of restricted areas nationwide. The military had wanted to turn 13 TFRs into prohibited areas. AOPA opposed that and suggested that airspace over military installations be designated national security areas. For 11 of the 13 TFRs, the FAA agreed. TFRs in Washington (Bremerton, Everett, and Port Townsend), Indiana (Newport), Kentucky (Richmond), and Oregon (Umatilla) became NSAs with the publication of the latest sectional chart. The Pueblo, Colorado, TFR will change to an NSA with the next charting cycle effective January 20, 2005. For more on NSAs, see AOPA Online

9/13/04
AVflash    Volume 10, Number 38a
PLANES MEET F-16S IN KANSAS
Two small aircraft got an up-close encounter with fighter jets during President Bush's visit to Kansas City last week. On Monday morning, an airplane nipped into the edge of the TFR while en route from Pittsburg, Kan., to rural Roosterville Airport, and was intercepted by two F-16s. The jets determined the airplane was not a threat but followed it till it landed, FAA officials told the Kansas City Star. On Tuesday morning, an airplane penetrated the restricted airspace, and F-16s again followed it until it landed. There is nothing unusual anymore about such events -- "We have had to do this more than 1,600 times since 9/11," Maj. Douglas Martin, spokesman for the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), told the Star. More...


7/16/04
AOPA ePILOT            Volume 6, Issue 29 • July 16, 2004    www.aopa.org
A MISSTEP COULD CAUSE A FLARE-UP
Here's something you definitely don't want to see near you: flares shooting out of military aircraft. The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) says that to "safely enforce temporary flight restrictions (TFRs), NORAD interceptors have developed procedures to communicate with aircraft that have unknown intentions." If a military fighter fires a flare in your vicinity, it means, "Pay attention! Contact ATC on the local frequency or 121.5. Follow the interceptors' visual International Civil Aviation Organization [ICAO] signals." The AOPA Air Safety Foundation has a handy reference card listing the procedures available for download. And note that according to NORAD, "Non-compliance may result in the use of force." See NORAD's Web site.


7/12/04
aopa.org
-------------------------------------------------------------------
AOPA ePilot      Special Airspace Bulletin        
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Updated notice to AOPA members in the Great Lakes area
==> ATTENTION PILOTS <==
FAA ADDS DULUTH TO PRESIDENTIAL BUS TOUR
AOPA has received word that President Bush will also be visiting Duluth, Minnesota, on his two-day bus tour. He is expected to be in the city from around 3 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. local on Tuesday, July 13. This stop is in addition to the other stops mentioned in a previous airspace bulletin. Expect a temporary flight restriction (TFR) over Duluth.
AOPA will post the Duluth notam along with the rest of the notams on AOPA Online ( http://www.aopa.org/whatsnew/notams.html ) as soon as they become available.
Because TFR airspace frequently changes, AOPA strongly encourages pilots to obtain a briefing and CHECK NOTAMS before every flight. TFR violators will be intercepted and forced to land.

-------------------------------------------------------------------
AOPA ePilot      Special Airspace Bulletin       
-------------------------------------------------------------------
A special notice to AOPA members in the Great Lakes area
==> ATTENTION PILOTS <==
FAA TO ESTABLISH TFRs FOR PRESIDENTIAL BUS TOUR
AOPA is sending this message to advise pilots in northern Michigan and eastern Wisconsin that President Bush is scheduled to be on a two-day campaign bus tour starting Tuesday, July 13.
According to the FAA, the tour will begin tomorrow afternoon in Marquette, Michigan, and continue south to Milwaukee where the president is expected to spend the night. Beginning on the morning of Wednesday, July 14, the president will travel to Waukesha, Wisconsin, then on to Fond Du Lac and Green Bay. President Bush is expected to fly out of Green Bay at around 7:30 p.m. local Wednesday. The itinerary, however, is subject to change.
Based on previous presidential bus tours, expect a 10-nautical-mile-radius general aviation no-fly zone that will follow along with the bus. Also, expect 30-nm-mile-radius temporary flight restrictions (TFRs), most likely over the aforementioned cities. AOPA will post the notams on AOPA Online ( http://www.aopa.org/whatsnew/notams.html ) as soon as possible after they are issued. Graphics will also be available.
Because TFR airspace frequently changes, AOPA strongly encourages pilots to obtain a briefing and CHECK NOTAMS before every flight. TFR violators will be intercepted and forced to land.

==> HELPFUL WEB LINKS <==
AOPA's Real-Time Flight Planner provides graphical depictions of TFRs ( http://www.aopa.org/flight_planner/ ). Check the FAA's TFR Web site ( http://tfr.faa.gov ). Download the AOPA Air Safety Foundation's intercept procedures card ( http://download.aopa.org/epilot/2003/intercept.pdf )or review ASF's "Know Before You Go" program
( http://www.aopa.org/asf/know_before/ ).


AVFlash    Volume 10, Number 26a — June 21, 2004
TFRS ARE HERE TO STAY
"TFRs do serve a purpose, and they're effective," Robert Albracht, director of GA Operations at the Transportation Security Administration, told AVweb last Thursday in a conference-call interview with several TSA staffers. Essentially, the TFRs function to clear the sky, so security forces are not distracted by a multitude of targets but instead can focus quickly on any that don't belong. That means that GA pilots who blunder into the restricted zones will be noticed. "And when pilots venture into these zones, they are going to be dealt with," Albracht said. "I do have the feeling that the grace period, the leniency period, is over," he said, though he stressed that it's the FAA, and not the TSA, that determines what action will be taken against TFR violators. "There may be harsher penalties than there were at first." More...

... DESPITE EFFORTS TO CURTAIL THEM ...
Albracht added that his office has no control over presidential TFRs. "As long as the president travels outside the White House, and presidential candidates are moving around, there will be TFRs," he said. But the TSA office does have discretion over many other TFR requests, and many are turned down. Many large events, such as sports events and other gatherings, request TFRs. "There would have to be a threat, to justify that," said Robert Rottman, TSA security specialist. But certain events, such as the Super Bowl and major political conventions, are always going to have TFRs, Albracht said. "We definitely go through excruciating travails to winnow out only the truly deserving requests," said Rottman. "We're very aware of the impact these have on general aviation, and we try to keep that impact as low as possible." More...

... BUT GA AIRPORT SECURITY IS OK
As for security protocols at your local GA airport, the general feeling at the TSA is that the voluntary guidelines are working. "These guidelines were the end result of a truly collaborative effort among many industry groups, and they were all agreed to 100 percent," said Steven Calabro, GA security inspector. "Our aim was to establish federal guidelines so airports could know they were on the right track, and know what the feds would give a thumbs-up to." The working group also aimed to prevent a mishmash of state laws from being enacted locally. "Our anecdotal evidence is that GA airports are compliant overall, and are even going beyond the guidelines," Calabro said. More...

6/7/05
AVFlash    Volume 10, Number 24a
TSA'S "OUTREACH" BEGINS, TFRS FOR G8 SUMMIT
This week's International G8 Summit near Savannah, Ga., is bringing not only world leaders and restricted airspace to the region, but a new TSA presence at general aviation airports. Prior to the summit, the TSA will assign teams of Aviation Security Inspectors to about 28 GA airports located within the TFRs, Steven Calabro of the TSA's GA Directorate told EAA last week. The inspectors won't be there just to enforce regulations, but to provide information and enhance awareness during the summit. "We're hoping to become familiar with [each] airport, its operations and its surroundings," Calabro said, "More importantly, to be liaisons on issues that arise with aircraft operations and NOTAMs where they have the ability to get that information back to us at a command center, 24 hours a day during this event." Those "issues" may seem limited to TFR violations, not complaints. More...


4/30/04
AOPA ePILOT     Volume 6, Issue 18 • April 30, 2004
BUSH'S BUS TOUR TO AFFECT GA ACROSS SEVERAL STATES
President Bush is scheduled to go on a multi-state bus tour starting Monday. Of more concern to pilots, however, is a 10-nautical-mile-radius no-fly zone that, according to FAA officials, will follow the bus through Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio. Bush is slated to be at several locations where there will be even larger 30-nm-radius temporary flight restrictions (TFR) along with smaller no-fly zones. "The air traffic system is not designed for this type of 'moving' TFR and the scenario could have disastrous consequences, including the ultimate enforcement action, the use of deadly force," said Andy Cebula, an AOPA senior vice president. "It will be difficult, if not impossible, for general aviation pilots to identify and avoid this moving restriction." For updates, see AOPA Online. AOPA will post the notams establishing the flight restrictions as soon as they become available


4/29/04
AV Flash        Volume 10, Number 18b -- April 29, 2004
CAMPAIGN TFRS ESCALATE CONCERN
The FAA says it's working on ways to adequately warn pilots of "pop-up" temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) that will become much more common as the election campaign goes into full swing. It's expected that no-fly zones for GA will accompany not only President Bush, but Vice President Dick Cheney, Democratic contender John Kerry and whomever his running mate will be. "This is something we've really been struggling with," said FAA spokesman William Shumann. He said the agency has been working on the issue since long before the campaign started in earnest. He said the FAA is cooperating with various aviation groups to try and get the word out, but not everyone is getting the message. Take, for instance, the plight of Thomas Colacurcio, who thought he was taking a short hop last month from Medina Airport in Ohio to another airport to buy discounted fuel. More...


1/9/04
EAA e-HOT LINE, Vol. 4, No. 1
Threat Level Returns (Mostly) to 'Yellow'
EAA Presses For GA Relief and Permanent Implementation of DC ADIZ Test Ingress/Egress Procedures
The U.S. government lowered the national terror threat level to yellow (elevated) from orange (high) today, but certain sectors, including aviation, will remain on heightened alert because of concern they could still be terrorist targets. Other areas kept on high alert include ports, nuclear facilities and certain major cities. EAA contacted the Transportation Security Administration this morning to press for ending GA-specific restrictions absent any specific and credible intelligence pointing to general aviation as being a threat. “As we understand it, the greatest concern over aviation security has been centered on threats against large commercial aviation enterprises,” said Doug Macnair, EAA Vice President of Government Relations. “We want to ensure that the TSA and the government as a whole do not paint all of aviation with a single large brush of heightened security if the intelligence does not support restrictions against general aviation.”
(read more)


12/26/03
AOPA ePilot -- Vol. 5, Issue 52
...PILOTS ASKED TO FLY SMART
As you fly this holiday season, be security conscious. That's the message from AOPA to general aviation pilots during this period of heightened alert status. "That means more than taking part in AOPA's Airport Watch," said Andy Cebula, AOPA senior vice president of government and technical affairs. "Think about how your flight looks to security officials on the ground." According to news reports, security officials are especially concerned about soft targets of the national infrastructure, such as power plants and water supplies. AOPA urges pilots not to loiter over such facilities. "We want to avoid any more temporary flight restrictions [TFRs] like the one issued for Chicago on Wednesday," said Cebula. "Given the heightened alert status, GA must be extremely careful not to give officials any reason to clamp down."
...AND BE EXTRA VIGILANT
Pilots are asked to watch for suspicious activities at their airports and report them to AOPA's Airport Watch by calling toll-free 866/GA-SECURE. Obtain a briefing and check notams before every flight. Security-related notams will be posted on AOPA Online as soon as possible after they are issued, and pilots who have signed up for AOPA ePilot will receive special e-mail alerts of security notams significantly affecting flight in their area.


12/23/03
EAA e-HOT LINE, Vol. 3, No. 60             12/23/03
Threat Level at ‘Orange’; Airspace Restrictions In Place
Pilots Urged To Be Vigilant
The U.S. government has raised the national terror threat level to orange (high) from yellow (elevated), saying it has received intelligence reports that attacks comparable to September 11, 2001, are possible. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge said in a statement today (Sunday, December 21), “Information indicates that extremists abroad are anticipating near-term attacks that they believe will rival - or exceed - the scope and impact of those we experienced in New York, at the Pentagon, and in Pennsylvania more than two years ago.”   (read more)

Pilots Urged to Check Latest NOTAMs Over the Holidays
A temporary flight restriction (TFR) has been issued for the January 1, 2004, Tournament of Roses parade in Pasadena, California. Pilots planning flight operations in Southern California are urged to check the latest notices to airmen (NOTAMs) for flight restrictions, which will be in place from 6 a.m.-1:35 p.m. Also, pilots are reminded that flight operations are prohibited over major sporting events, including the college football bowl games. For more information on active TFRs, visit Pilot Services on the EAA website


AOPA ePilot -- Vol. 5, Issue 45
AOPA, MEMBERS HELP FAA CREATE NEW TFR SITE
Input from AOPA members and staff contributed to a new FAA Web site offering graphical depictions of temporary flight restriction (TFR) airspace. "This Web site exists largely because AOPA spent the last two years pressuring the FAA to give pilots a clear picture of where the restrictions are," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "Many of the enhancements to the new site are the direct result of input from AOPA and AOPA members." The FAA Web site includes a list of published TFRs with links to a page that shows detail of the TFR area overlaid on a sectional chart, and a text description of the restricted airspace. It also offers a U.S. map showing active TFRs across the country.


9/12/03
AOPA ePilot            Volume 5, Issue 37 • September 12, 2003
TSA ISSUES AVIATION THREAT ALERT
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) on Monday issued an alert to general aviation pilots and airports, warning of potential terrorist threats. It reminded GA pilots and airport operators to review the security measures contained in AOPA's Airport Watch program materials. The TSA advisory warned, "Based on a recent interagency review of available information, we remain concerned about al-Qaeda's continued efforts to plan multiple attacks against the United States. These attacks may involve aviation. However, at this time, we have no specific information on individual targets or dates for potential attacks." It echoes a similar advisory issued last week by TSA's parent organization, the Homeland Security Department. Pilots who do have suspicions about activity at their airport should call 911 if there appears to be imminent danger, or call the TSA-provided national toll-free hotline, 866/GA-SECURE (866/427-3287).


8/1/03
AOPA ePilot    Volume 5, Issue 31 • August 1, 2003
PIPELINE PATROL PILOT GETS SNARED
A pipeline patrol pilot going about his business found himself on the wrong end of an F-16 and 30 drawn guns last Thursday after accidentally overflying President Bush's motorcade in Philadelphia. An F-16 and two police helicopters gave chase and forced the pilot to land at Camden County Airport, where 30 law enforcement officers with weapons drawn were waiting. He was released about two and a half hours after the incident and allowed to fly home to Ohio. No criminal charges were filed, although there is no word yet on any FAA enforcement action. The notam establishing the TFR was not issued until late the night before and the effective time was extended that very morning. To help you navigate in today's new airspace environment, the AOPA Air Safety Foundation has put together an online course called Know Before You Go


7/4/03
AOPA ePilot    Volume 5, Issue 27 • July 4, 2003
AOPA ONLINE HIGHLIGHTS PRESIDENTIAL TFRs
A prominent red banner across the top of AOPA's home page calls attention to temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) relating to travel by President Bush and other high-ranking officials. The new banner contains a scrolling list of notams that have been issued under FAR 91.141, "Flight restrictions in the proximity of the Presidential and other parties." Clicking on the date and location as it scrolls by will take you to the text of the notam itself. When applicable, the scrolling list also includes anticipated TFRs based on the president's known schedule. The anticipated TFRs do not link to detailed information since those notams are not yet published. FAR 91.141 TFRs are also issued for the vice president and "other public figures." See the AOPA Air Safety Foundation online course Know Before You Go for more on identifying, and avoiding, TFRs.


6/16/03
AVweb's NewsWire        6/16/03
FAA LAUNCHES GRAPHICAL TFRS...
Temporary Flight Restrictions, though ever-changing, would appear to be a permanent fixture, so the FAA is (finally) doing something that might actually help pilots comply. Starting yesterday, the agency began posting its own sanctioned graphical depictions of TFRs on the FAA Web site. There have been some graphical TFRs on the FAA site for more than a year but they were for "special interest" NOTAMs, generally relating to presidential movements or national security. The new system should provide graphical TFRs of all flight restriction types but if you went there yesterday, you may have had a very hard time noticing any difference -- the new material will be loaded over a period of time and the first 90 days will be a test phase. Public responses will be used to modify presentation of the material. More...
http://www2.faa.gov/SPECIALNOTAMS/specialnotamlisting.htm

...PRESIDENT CARRIES 30 MILES OF BREATHING SPACE...
It's not spelled out whether the president's hectic travel schedule will get the graphic treatment. A 30-nm TFR appears to have become the standard treatment wherever Air Force One touches down (aside from the one that encircles it while it's in the air) and as President Bush hits the campaign trail as many as three TFRs per day are being created. AOPA has added "Presidential Movement TFR" links to its home page to try and keep track of the wandering chief executive but pilots should always get the official word from flight services on any NOTAMs on their route before wheels up (and just hope the NOTAM doesn't arise after they do). Most groups agree 30 nm is excessive but they also seem to agree that it isn't going to change anytime soon. However, there is some pressure from the government to eliminate defense-related TFRs that blossomed after 9/11. More...


2/28/03
AOPA ePilot    Volume 5, Issue 9 • February 28, 2003
FAA ISSUES NEW NUCLEAR PLANT NOTAM
In response to concerns from security officials, the FAA has issued a new notam regarding nuclear power plants. While pilots were previously advised not to "loiter or circle" in the vicinity of nuclear power plants, now the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is brandishing a stick; pilots who fly suspiciously around the power plants can expect to be interviewed by law enforcement personnel. And if law enforcement isn't convinced that the pilot's flight activities were innocent, the pilot's name may be added to TSA's incident reporting system database. The FAA issued this advisory notam rather than reinstating the 10-mile temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) around all nuclear facilities that existed for a little more than a week in October 2001. Some security officials had been pushing for again closing the airspace around 90 nuclear facilities, affecting more than 700 public and private airports. The TSA maintains that the incident reporting system is not the same thing as the agency's security list, which it can use to revoke a pilot's certificate for being a "security threat," and has assured AOPA that pilots conducting operations to or from airports close to these facilities will not be considered loitering. See the notam.

2/28/03
EAA e-HOT LINE, Vol. 3, No. 10 2/28/03
FAA Warns Pilots Against Flights Near Nuke Facilities 
Pilots operating in the United States were issued a no-nonsense warning from the FAA today (February 26) to steer well clear of nuclear power plant facilities or be subject to law enforcement action or even referral to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The special notice was issued in response to repeated instances—reportedly as many as 12 per month—where aircraft were observed circling or loitering near some nuclear facilities. FDC Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) 3/1655 advises that pilots who circle or loiter in the vicinity of nuclear facilities "can expect to be interviewed by law enforcement personnel at their destination airport and the pilot’s name may be added to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) incident reporting system"    (read more)

10/7/02
 AVflash             Vol. 8, Issue 41a         Monday, October 7, 2002    http://avweb.com/n/?41a
PRESIDENT'S PORTABLE TFR...
While President Bush was admiring the fall colors at the family compound at Kennebunkport, Maine, over the weekend, 16 airports serving 450 aircraft and 270,000 operations each year were subject to Temporary Flight Restrictions.  The 10-nautical-mile "no-fly" zone around the home of Bush's father, the previous President Bush, closed Biddeford and Goosefair Airports, while 14 airports between 10 and 30 nm from the residence fell under requirements for flight plans and "discrete" transponder codes.  Flight training and IFR practice were prohibited.

...STADIUM SAGA CONTINUES...
EAA and AOPA are both howling over an amendment to the transportation spending bill passed by the House Appropriations Committee on October 1 that bans waivers and exemptions for flight operations over sporting events.  It's not just banner towers who would be grounded -- non-towered airports within three nautical miles of a sporting event would be closed and all VFR traffic would have to avoid the stadiums. Aircraft used to televise the event and "security" aircraft would be permitted.  If it's passed, EAA says the bill will set a dangerous precedent that would threaten GA in the future.

9/27/02
Aero-News Network "Propwash" E-Mail Aero-News Summary        www.Aero-News.Net
'Catch-22 NOTAM' Amended        New NOTAM Defines 'Open-Air Assembly' Better
JUST IN: By Friday afternoon, the FAA should have posted its new 'open-air assembly' NOTAM, which would go a long way toward clarifying just what can get you in trouble, when you fly over it.
Under the existing system, GA pilots were generally prohibited from overflying 'large open-air assemblies.' The only problem was, nobody knew what that meant. Does a 60,000-midget convention count the same as a 20,000-WWF tea party? If 16,000 people come to see an end-of-season Major League Baseball game, and 30,000 come to see a hot high school football match -- is one 'big,' and the other, not? Is money the criterion, or the number of people supposedly "at risk?"
Well, it's, money, on the face of it, ...although it's a cinch that the big-money events are more often than not going to outdraw the smaller events. (That takes care of the issue of those pesky banner-towers, that the colleges, especially, couldn't stand, making money, while they couldn't take a cut of it!)
According to friends at the EAA, you still won't be able to fly within 3 miles, below 3000 feet, of the following:
1) NFL football games
2) Major League Baseball games
3) major motor speedway events
4) Division 1-A college football venues with 30,000 or more seats (apparently, without regard to how many seats are filled)
You will be banned from those areas from one hour before The Star Spangled Banner, until one hour after the event is finished. It's even likely that the Flight Service Stations will be aware of these prohibited events.
If you're going to need a waiver, the forms are available online (link below). The FAA will also list the events you mustn't overfly.
Even with a waiver, only technical crew will be allowed aboard the aircraft. Local law enforcement will, for the time being, do its best to verify crew credentials, on a random basis. Fingerprinting, DNA profiling, and retinal scans may still be a way down the road...
FMI: www.faa.gov/ats/ata/waiver
For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/sport.cfm?ContentBlockID=5846


9/25/02
Aero-News Network "Propwash" E-Mail Aero-News Summary        www.Aero-News.Net
Pilots Issued Excessive Restrictions Near Bush Ranch
Large Presidential TFR to Severely Impact Texas Pilots, Airports The FAA has issued yet another NOTAM... this one significantly expanding the restricted airspace (TFR) around President Bush's Crawford (TX) ranch. The TFR, which extends for a 30-nm(!) radius around the ranch up to 18,000 feet, requires all pilots to file a flight plan, obtain a discrete transponder code, and remain in communication with air traffic control. The TFR also closes airspace altogether within 10 nm of the ranch.
"In light of the relaxation of the security threat level to condition 'yellow,' today, AOPA questions the need for such a large restriction," said Melissa K. Bailey, AOPA vice president of air traffic, on Tuesday. "We ask the FAA and security communities to take a serious look at the need for a restricted area this large." The TFR impacts 14 public-use airports and an additional 22 private airports.
The NOTAM, which is effective from 7:30 p.m. Thursday, September 26, to 9:10 a.m. September 30, expands the existing P-49 prohibited area to a 10-nm radius. Between 10 and 30 nm of Crawford ranch, pilots must be on an active VFR or IFR flight plan with a discrete ATC-assigned transponder code and must be communicating with ATC. In addition, the only flights permitted within this area will be for the purposes of ingress and egress. Aircraft must proceed directly to and from the airports. Flight training, pattern practice, and practice instrument approaches are not authorized, creating an impact on flight schools and FBOs throughout the region.
AOPA has been told that flight service stations throughout the Southwest region have been given guidance on how to assist pilots who are unable to contact other ATC facilities on the ground, including information on who they may contact for squawk codes prior to departure.
Pilots are cautioned that it is imperative that this NOTAM be followed to the letter, as a violation of this airspace may not only jeopardize their certificate, but may also expose them to the possibility of armed interception by military aircraft.
The public-use airports affected by this TFR include:
1) Clifton (7F7)
2) Mcgregor Exec. (PWG)
3) Wildcat Canyon (3T8)
4) Valley Mills (9F1)
5) Killeen (ILE)
6) Lake Whitney State Pk (F50)
7) TSTC Waco (CNW)
8) Waco Regional (ACT)
9) Wings for Christ (73F)
10) City County (05F)
11) Longhorn AAF Aux (22XS)
12) Shorthorn AAF Aux (23XS)
13) Hood AAF (HLR)
14) Draughon-Miller (TPL)
FMI: www.faa.gov
For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/sport.cfm?ContentBlockID=5801


9/10/02
AOPA ePilot     SPECIAL BULLETIN     September 10, 2002             www.apoa.org

==> ATTENTION PILOTS <==

TERRORIST THREAT ASSESSMENT RAISED TO 'HIGH' RISK; TSA EXPLAINS TO AOPA NEED FOR INCREASED VIGILANCE

AOPA is sending you this bulletin to tell you how today's elevated terrorist threat assessment is affecting general aviation aircraft operations. In a special phone conversation late this afternoon with Admiral James M. Loy--director of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA)--and his top deputies, AOPA President Phil Boyer learned that pilots are being asked to exercise extreme vigilance and cooperation as an alternative to new security procedures and airspace restrictions. The call was in response to this afternoon's announcement by U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft and Office of Homeland Security chief Tom Ridge that the federal government had raised the terrorist alert level for the first time to code orange, meaning a "high" danger of attack. That level requires government agencies to increase their security efforts.

"Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta advised the transportation community, 'do not be alarmed, but be alert,'" said Boyer. Because transportation modes are known to be favorite terrorist targets, pilots must be vigilant. Pilots should expect increased local law enforcement surveillance at general aviation airports during this time of heightened vigilance. Pilots are asked to watch for anything unusual or suspicious at the airport. Report any such activity to local law enforcement. Secure your aircraft before walking away from it.

Because of the heightened state of alert, incursions into restricted airspace can be expected to bring rapid and perhaps harsh response by the authorities. TSA emphasized that there is an "enormous seriousness" to the temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) and pilots must be careful to strictly adhere to all ATC procedures. For the first time, Washington, D.C., has been ringed with live antiaircraft weapons.

Pilots are reminded of the TFRs surrounding tomorrow's 9/11 anniversary ceremonies in Washington, D.C., New York City, and Pennsylvania. In the Washington, D.C., area, Potomac and College Park airports will be totally closed during the time of the ceremonies. However, AOPA staff has learned that this restriction may be extended through Thursday. The TSA is also revoking the waivers from Notam 3353 that prohibits GA operations within 3 miles and 3,000 feet of sporting events (stadiums) and open-air assemblies. This effectively eliminates banner-towing operations at these sites.

While the greatest current threat appears to be to U.S. embassies, military bases, and other interests overseas, intelligence officials also fear that low-level al Qaeda operatives might attempt small-scale attacks in the United States. Based on information from a suspected al Qaeda operative, and corroborated using other intelligence assets, the government believes U.S. assets in Southeast Asia are especially at risk. However, because the information may be incomplete, and because communications among terrorists a year ago followed a similar pattern and also indicated overseas targets, President Bush decided to raise the threat level assessment at home as well.

AOPA strongly encourages all pilots to obtain a full briefing, including the latest notams, before any flight. Report any suspicious activity around your airport to local law-enforcement agencies. Check AOPA Online ( http://www.aopa.org ) for any updates to the security situation as it affects general aviation.


8/23/02
AOPA e-Pilot    8/23/02                    AOPA
NO KNEE-JERK TFRs, AOPA TELLS FAA
AOPA is asking the FAA to avoid issuing "knee-jerk" flight restrictions as the nation approaches the anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks. Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley has asked the FAA to reimpose a large temporary flight restriction (TFR) over downtown Chicago because of "reports" that several U.S. cities could be targeted by terrorists. But the security community has not identified specific threats to the city's buildings or landmarks, said AOPA President Phil Boyer. Illinois homeland security "czar" Matt Bettenhausen told the Chicago Tribune that a small aircraft likely would not do any harm. In a strongly worded letter to the FAA, Boyer said that without a specific, credible threat, it would be "inappropriate for the federal government to institute arbitrary airspace restrictions. As stewards of the national airspace system, the FAA is obligated to look past the emotional grandstanding of local politicians and preserve the integrity of the national aviation system." He also sent the letter to the Transportation Security Administration. See AOPA Online


8/14/02
Aero-News Network "Propwash" E-Mail Aero-News Summary        www.Aero-News.Net
TSA Proclaims Heightened Security    AOPA Agrees With New Procedures
The Transportation Security Administration has renewed its security alert regarding possible use of civil or general aviation aircraft for terrorist strikes, and the FAA is now instructing flight service controllers to pass that alert on to every pilot who calls for a weather briefing.
AOPA agrees with this common-sense approach to security at GA airports and has advised pilots to keep a wary eye open for anything that appears out of place or abnormal at their local airports.
Pilots who have previously received the TSA security alert may advise the flight service controller that they have the alert and forego that particular portion of the briefing.
Hey -- if it keeps one innocent pilot from getting blasted out of the sky, it's worth it.

FMI: http://www.aopa.org/whatsnew/newsitems/2002/020813alert.html

For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/sport.cfm?ContentBlockID=5184


7/19/02
AOPA e-Pilot    7/19/02                    AOPA
SPORTING EVENT NOTAM UNCLEAR, AOPA TELLS FEDS
In letters to both the FAA and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), AOPA President Phil Boyer said that the current "blanket notam" for sporting events and open-air assemblies is difficult, if not impossible, for both pilots and the FAA to understand and follow. "While it is preferable that the notam be withdrawn, if the concept is to be retained for some period, it must be revised," Boyer said. See AOPA Online.


7/18/02
Aero-News Network "Propwash" E-Mail Aero-News Summary            www.aero-news.net
AOPA says TSA's 'Blanket NOTAM' is Vague
AOPA Tells TSA and FAA 'Sporting Event NOTAM' Unclear
In letters to both the Federal Aviation Administration and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), AOPA President Phil Boyer said that the current sporting event, open-air assembly "blanket NOTAM" is difficult, if not impossible, for both pilots and the FAA to understand and follow. "While it is preferable that the notam be withdrawn, if the concept is to be retained for some period, it must be revised," Boyer said.
In an effort to assist the FAA in providing clear, concise information to pilots on "major sporting events," AOPA has worked with representatives from professional and collegiate sporting associations to develop language revising the temporary flight restriction (TFR) NOTAM. A key component of the proposed revisions would be that aircraft at nontowered airports would be able to continue to operate even if the airport were located in the TFR area. Another suggested revision would change the vague language concerning "open-air assembly" to reflect crowd sizes of 30,000 people or more.
Just how organizers of such events would communicate their events to the FAA; or how far in advance of the event; or how rain delays, etc., would be handled; or the penalties organizers would face if they failed to timely provide the required information; or which agency -- FAA or TSA, or someone else -- would enforce the reporting, was left unmentioned.
FMI: www.faa.gov, www.tsa.dot.gov, www.aopa.org
For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/sport.cfm?ContentBlockID=4764
For more information on TFR see - NOTAM


7/10/02
Aero-News Network "Propwash" E-Mail Aero-News Summary        www.Aero-News.Net
About Time! FAA Finally Starts Offering Some TFR Graphics
FAA has taken one small step towards providing graphical TFRs to pilots. Recognizing the value of showing, as well as telling, pilots where they may not fly, the FAA is now posting graphical depictions of four of some 35 national security temporary flight restriction (TFR) notams on its Web site.
"We've been pushing for this for over two years," said Andy Cebula, AOPA senior vice president for Government and Technical Affairs, "so we're happy to see that FAA finally buys into the concept. Now they need to make graphical depictions of all TFRs readily available to pilots and flight service station briefers."
AOPA has lobbied FAA at all levels, from Administrator Jane Garvey on down, for graphical notams. The association even went to Congress to secure funding for FAA to develop graphical notams.
AOPA has felt so strongly about the need for graphical depictions of TFRs that the association has been providing them on its Web site since November oflast year. And when FAA issued a last-minute TFR over New York City for the fourth of July, AOPA staff came in on their vacation time to create a graphic toshow pilots the restricted area.
"The proliferation of security TFRs since the September 11 terrorist attacks, and the dire consequences for pilots who violate them, has made the need fordepictions even more critical," said Cebula. "The FAA must work aggressively to get graphical TFRs into the hands of users as soon as possible." FMI: http://www.faa.gov/NTAP/
For the WHOLE story, go to http://www.aero-news.net/news/sport.cfm?ContentBlockID=4629


7/6/02
AOPA ePilot       Milwaukee Airspace Bulletin       July 5, 2002
A special notice to AOPA members in the Milwaukee area
==> ATTENTION PILOTS <==
No-Fly zone established over All-Star game
AOPA is sending you this special notice to inform you that on Monday and Tuesday there will be a no-fly zone over the All-Star Baseball Game in Milwaukee on July 8 and 9. It will be in effect during the game and pre-game activities. The FAA notice to airmen  http://www.aopa.org/whatsnew/newsitems/2002/02-3-010x.html (notam) establishes a 13-nm-radius temporary flight restriction (TFR) up to 10,000 feet that is centered on Miller Park Baseball Stadium and is in effect from 3 p.m. until 11 p.m. each day.
Pilots are warned that the FAA and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) take TFR incursions seriously. This includes strong penalties and certificate action. In addition, the Department of Defense is using combat air patrols to enforce security-related TFRs. AOPA has developed a graphical depiction ( http://www.aopa.org/images/whatsnew/newsitems/2002/notams/2-6576.gif ) of this TFR.


7/1/02
AVflash              Vol. 8, Issue 27a            Monday, July 1, 2002    www.avweb.com
...FOREST SERVICE GETS IT RIGHT...
The U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management have combined to create the National Airspace Program (NAP), which through its Web site provides daily TFR updates and offers graphical depictions of TFRs around forest fires all over the West.  The NAP is even making an effort to plot all TFRs on sectional charts (but not all charts are available nor are all non-fire-related TFRs graphically represented).  Still, one might wonder why the Forest Service can manage that when the FAA still isn't offering graphics with its TFRs.  As good as the Forest Service site is, it's not without disclaimers.  Bottom line is make sure you get all NOTAMs and other information about your intended flight prior to departure -- and especially before you head out this weekend.  Just don't forget to have fun!
   NOTE: See AVweb's NewsWire at <http://avweb.com/n/?27a> for links to    Web sites offering graphical representations of the many TFRs.

Link to U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management TFR page  - http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/fire/aviation/airspace/


6/28/02
  

FAA ISSUES FLURRY OF FLIGHT RESTRICTIONS FOR HOLIDAY
The FAA has issued additional temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) over national landmarks in response to security warnings about possible terrorist activities during the July 4 holiday. The new TFRs cover the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor, Mount Rushmore in South Dakota, and the Gateway Arch in St. Louis. "The new TFRs, along with the 20-plus existing TFRs, must be taken seriously by pilots," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "The stakes are very high. General aviation cannot afford the fallout resulting from airspace violations." Pilots should specifically query the flight service briefer for notams when flying close to any monument or symbolic structure. To help pilots avoid TFRs, AOPA has updated its security notam page with TFRs broken down by geographic regions. See AOPA Online.

…AND PILOTS SHOULD AVOID SENSITIVE FACILITIES, AOPA WARNS
AOPA also reminds pilots to comply with the FAA's advisory to avoid overflights or "loitering" near nuclear and conventional power plants, dams, refineries, industrial complexes, military facilities, and similar structures. See AOPA Online.

Go to LINKS for the AOPA website and updates on NOTAM & TFRs


6/27/02
 AVflash            Vol. 8, Issue 26b          Thursday, June 27, 2002
LOOMING HOLIDAY RATTLES NERVES ACROSS THE USA...
A small plane flying over three reservoirs in upstate New York late last week aroused the suspicions of some watchful (or perhaps paranoid) residents and created all sorts of havoc for one pilot and local police. Phone calls from several concerned citizens spurred the New York State Police into action when planes (maybe just one) were spotted flying over the Cannonsville, Pepacton and Ashokan reservoirs.  In one call to police, the caller alleged that a plane had been spotted flying low over a reservoir in Cannonsville, N.Y., and something had been dropped from the aircraft into the reservoir.  Police jumped into their aircraft, found a plane fitting the description and followed it to Lincoln Park Airport in New Jersey, along with state and city helicopters.  After landing, the pilot was detained and questioned at the Lincoln Park Police Department and later released.


5/30/02
The Aero-News Network Daily News Brief    www.Aero-News.Net
Endeavour Launch Causes TFRs Today
Pilots: Check NOTAMS!
2/4615 PART 1 OF 2 TEMPORARY FLIGHT RESTRICTION, CAPE CANVERAL, FL. EFFECTIVE 0205301730 UTC UNTIL 0205310300 UTC [1:30~11:00PM, local]. FOR REASONS OF NATIONAL SECURITY PURSUANT TO 14 CFR SECTION 99.7, SPECIAL SECURITY INSTRUCTIONS, FLIGHT RESTRICTIONS ARE IN EFFECT WITHIN A 40 NM RADIUS OF 2837N/8037W OR THE MELBOURNE /MLB/ VOR/DME 004 DEGREE RADIAL AT 30 NM, FROM THE SURFACE UP TO BUT NOT INCLUDING FL 180 AS FOLLOWS: 1) NO PART 91 FLIGHT OPERATIONS, AND NO VFR FLIGHT OPERATIONS ARE PERMITTED WITHIN A 30 NM RADIUS OF 2837N/8037W OR THE MELBOURNE /MLB/ VOR/DME 004 DEGREE RADIAL AT 30 NM FROM THE SURFACE UP TO BUT NOT INCLUDING FL 180. B. WITHIN THE AIRSPACE BETWEEN THE 30 NM RADIUS AND THE 40 NM RADIUS, PART 91 FLIGHT OPERATIONS AND VFR FLIGHT OPERATIONS ARE PERMITTED ONLY FOR THE PURPOSE OF LANDING AT OR DEPARTING FROM AN AIRPORT LOCATED WITHIN THE 30 NM TO 40 NM SEGMENT AND ONLY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURES: WIE UNTIL UFN

[AOPA alerts us that airports within that radius include New Smyrna Beach (EVB), Massey (X50), Sanford (SFB), Orlando Executive (ORL), Daytona Beach International (DAB), Merritt Island (COI), Space Coast Regional (TIX), Dunn (X21), Orlando International (MCO), and Melbourne International (MLB).]

2/4615 PART 2 OF 2 TEMPORARY FLIGHT RESTRICTION, 1) THE PILOT OBTAINS A DISCRETE TRANSPONDER CODE AND CLEARANCE FROM THE APPROPRIATE ATC FACILITY PRIOR TO ENTERING THE AIRSPACE BETWEEN THE 30 NM AND 40 NM SEGMENT. 2) THE PILOT SHALL MAINTAIN CONTINUOUS RADIO COMMUNICATIONS WITH ATC AND DISPLAY THE ASSIGNED TRANSPONDER CODE AT ALL TIMES WHILE WITHIN THE TFR AIRSPACE. C. EXCEPTIONS: MILITARY AIRCRAFT AND AIRCRAFT ASSOCIATED WITH CAPE CANAVERAL OPERATIONS ARE EXEMPT FROM THE TFR. RESCUE/RECOVERY, MEDICAL/LIFEGUARD FLIGHTS, EMERGENCY EVACUATION, LAW ENFORCEMENT, DEPARTMENT OF STATE, AND FIRE FIGHTING OPERATIONS ARE PERMITTED ONLY WITH PRIOR APPROVAL FROM THE APPROPRIATE ATC FACILITY. WIE UNTIL UFN FMI: www.jsc.nasa.gov, www.faa.gov


4/12/02    AOPA ePilot -- Vol. 4, Issue 15
MANY AIRSHOWS TO GET TFRs
Pilots flying in the vicinity of an airshow this summer are warned that many airshows (including performances by the Navy Blue Angels, Air Force Thunderbirds, and Army Golden Knights) have temporary flight restrictions assigned to their airspace. This makes enforcement actions more likely, and some of the airshow boxes can extend to 10,000 feet. Don't fly over an airshow. Check FDC notams before you leave.

Go to LINKS for the AOPA website and updates on NOTAM & TFRs

3/29/02    AOPA ePilot -- Vol. 4, Issue 13
SOARING IS NOT LOITERING, GROUP SAYS
After the September 11 terror attacks, the FAA issued notams restricting "loitering" for aircraft near nuclear power plants and other areas of national security concern. This has had special meaning for glider pilots who circle in thermals to gain altitude. The Soaring Society of America (SSA) has been working with the FAA to clarify the rules. So far, according to the SSA, circling in thermals does not constitute loitering, but the key is to spend only enough time near the facilities to gain lift then move beyond them. One thing was made clear, though. The SSA said that airplanes should not tow gliders over these facilities. The organization recommended that glider pilots and clubs contact security officials at the facilities and let them know who they are and when they'll be in the area.

Go to LINKS for the AOPA website and updates on NOTAM & TFRs

2/28/02
FAA IS SERIOUS ABOUT TFR VIOLATIONS, AOPA WARNS
AOPA is warning that the penalties for violating temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) in the wake of September 11 could be severe. The FAA believes that any pilot who violates the TFRs has demonstrated a substantial disregard for safety and security, warranting a 150- to 240-day suspension or revocation of pilot certificates, according Kathy Yodice, an attorney for AOPA. "The FAA maintains this position even if it is a single, inadvertent, first-time violation, and just a clip of the restricted area," she said. A memorandum to inspectors from FAA headquarters instructs them to seek the more severe sanctions for any violation of a security-related notam. Pilots are advised once again to make sure they have the latest notams before starting a flight. AOPA's Legal Services Plan can help a pilot defend against FAA enforcement actions.

Go to LINKS for the AOPA website and updates on NOTAM & TFRs

12/12/01
Sporting events TFR reissued - Smaller events now excluded
Dec. 12 — The FAA this weekend cancelled the “sporting events” temporary flight restriction (TFR) notam, and then on Monday reissued the notam with exactly the same wording. But AOPA has learned that there was a behind-the-scenes change in interpretation that will benefit general aviation pilots.
The notam, FDC 1/3090, requires pilots to remain clear of “any major professional or collegiate sporting event or any other major open air assembly of people” by 3 nm horizontally and 3,000 feet vertically. But FAA has now internally defined “open air assembly” as a gathering of 10,000 people or more. That means most high school games and other smaller athletic events aren’t covered by the TFR.
“This change of interpretation removes some of the restrictions on pilots,” said Andy Cebula, AOPA senior vice president for government and technical affairs. “However, we will continue to believe that these kinds of TFRs should be date and location specific. Local pilots might be aware of major events, but transient pilots have no reasonable way to obtain this information. We will continue to push FAA to eliminate this ‘generic’ TFR.”

Go to LINKS for the AOPA website and updates on NOTAM & TFRs

10/11/01
Effective October 11, 2001, 103.20 is amended as follows
103.20 Flight restrictions in the proximity of certain areas designated by notice to airmen.
No person may operate an ultralight vehicle in areas designated in a Notice to Airmen under § 91.137, § 91.138, § 91.141, § 91.143 or § 91.145 of this chapter, unless authorized by:
(a) Air Traffic Control (ATC); or
(b) A Flight Standards Certificate of Waiver or Authorization issued for the demonstration or event.

§ 91.137 Temporary flight restrictions.
(a) The Administrator will issue a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) designating an area within which temporary flight restrictions apply and specifying the hazard or condition requiring their imposition, whenever he determines it is necessary in order to -
(1) Protect persons and property on the surface or in the air from a hazard associated with an incident on the surface;
(2) Provide a safe environment for the operation of disaster relief aircraft; or
(3) Prevent an unsafe congestion of sightseeing and other aircraft above an incident or event which may generate a high degree of public interest.

The Notice to Airmen will specify the hazard or condition that requires the imposition of temporary flight restrictions.

(b) When a NOTAM has been issued under paragraph (a)(1) of this section, no person may operate an aircraft within the designated area unless that aircraft is participating in the hazard relief activities and is being operated under the direction of the official in charge of on scene emergency response activities.
(c) When a NOTAM has been issued under paragraph (a)(2) of this section, no person may operate an aircraft within the designated area unless at least one of the following conditions are met:
(1) The aircraft is participating in hazard relief activities and is being operated under the direction of the official in charge of on scene emergency response activities.
(2) The aircraft is carrying law enforcement officials.
(3) The aircraft is operating under the ATC approved IFR flight plan.
(4) The operation is conducted directly to or from an airport within the area, or is necessitated by the impracticability of VFR flight above or around the area due to weather, or terrain; notification is given to the Flight Service Station (FSS) or ATC facility specified in the NOTAM to receive advisories concerning disaster relief aircraft operations; and the operation does not hamper or endanger relief activities and is not conducted for the purpose of observing the disaster.
(5) The aircraft is carrying properly accredited news representatives, and, prior to entering the area, a flight plan is filed with the appropriate FAA or ATC facility specified in the Notice to Airmen and the operation is conducted above the altitude used by the disaster relief aircraft, unless otherwise authorized by the official in charge of on scene emergency response activities.
(d) When a NOTAM has been issued under paragraph (a)(3) of this section, no person may operate an aircraft within the designated area unless at least one of the following conditions is met:
(1) The operation is conducted directly to or from an airport within the area, or is necessitated by the impracticability of VFR flight above or around the area due to weather or terrain, and the operation is not conducted for the purpose of observing the incident or event.
(2) The aircraft is operating under an ATC approved IFR flight plan.
(3) The aircraft is carrying incident or event personnel, or law enforcement officials.
(4) The aircraft is carrying properly accredited news representatives and, prior to entering that area, a flight plan is filed with the appropriate FSS or ATC facility specified in the NOTAM.
(e) Flight plans filed and notifications made with an FSS or ATC facility under this section shall include the following information:
(1) Aircraft identification, type and color.
(2) Radio communications frequencies to be used.
(3) Proposed times of entry of, and exit from, the designated area.
(4) Name of news media or organization and purpose of flight.
(5) Any other information requested by ATC.