[JYO] AOPA Update - 09/22/01 9:06:53 AM, ET

Most flight operations now permitted except in Class B, TFRs    
— As of Saturday morning, most flight operations are 
now permitted in the U.S., except in enhanced Class B airspace and temporary 
flight restrictions (TFRs). Due to the complexity of the current <A 
HREF="http://38.200.9.137/010915tfr.html#special";>notams</A>, AOPA 
recognizes that many members may still have questions about what exactly they 
are permitted to do. AOPA has brought in its staff of aviation technical 
specialists to answer calls today at 1-800-USA-AOPA. The Pilot Assistance 
Hotline will be available from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 22.

The web site will be updated later today with a list of the most frequently 
asked questions and answers. Below is a summary of the current status, with 
links to more information:


VFR flight is permitted, except in enhanced Class B airspace and TFRs. (See 
AOPA's <A HREF="http://38.200.9.137/#plain";>plain-language guidance on 
notams</A>.) 
VFR flight training (dual instruction) is permitted outside enhanced Class B 
airspace and TFRs in non-turbojet aircraft weighing less than 12,500 pounds 
(piston-powered, turboprop aircraft, gliders and balloons). (See "<A 
HREF="http://38.200.9.137/#training";>FAA 
approves resumption of most flight training activities</A>.") 
Flight training inside enhanced Class B airspace, except for the Boston 
enhanced Class B and the Washington and New York exclusionary TFRs (<A 
HREF="http://38.200.9.137/010915tfr.html";>see TFR</A>), 
is permitted in piston-powered aircraft weighing less than 6,000 pounds. 
Aircraft inside the 30 enhanced Class B airspace may not depart VFR except 
for the purpose of flight instruction. (That is correct. Dual instruction in 
piston aircraft less than 6,000 pounds is ok, but VFR flight by a 
certificated pilot is not. See "<A HREF="http://38.200.9.137/#training";>FAA 
approves resumption of most flight 
training activities</A>.") 
Numerous TFRs (temporary flight restrictions) are in place, including a 
"blanket" TFR over sporting events and open-air assemblies (see <A 
HREF="http://38.200.9.137/010915tfr.html";>TFR status</A> 
and "<A HREF="http://38.200.9.137/#tfr";>New TFR prohibits flight above sporting 
events</A>"). 
IFR operations are permitted with restrictions, except through TFRs. (See 
AOPA's <A HREF="http://38.200.9.137/#plain";>plain-language guidance on 
notams</A>.) 
No Part 91 general aviation operations are permitted within 25 nm of the DCA 
and JFK VORs. (see <A HREF="http://38.200.9.137/010915tfr.html";>TFR 
status</A>). 
All Part 91 general aviation activities (including flight training) are 
permitted in Alaska and Hawaii. 
    
FAA approves resumption of most flight training activities  
— The FAA has released a <A 
HREF="http://38.200.9.137/010915tfr.html#346";>notam</A> permitting the 
resumption of most flight training activities. The notam, which became 
effective at 0000Z (8 p.m. ET) last night, allows VFR flight training in 
non-turbojet aircraft and gliders (weighing less than 12,500 pounds) outside 
of enhanced Class B airspace. Within enhanced Class B airspace, with the 
exception of the Boston enhanced Class B and the Washington and New York 
exclusion areas (<A HREF="http://38.200.9.137/010915tfr.html";>see TFR</A>), VFR 
flight training in single- and multi-engine 
piston-powered aircraft under 6,000 pounds is permitted. (Almost all 
single-engine and light twin piston powered aircraft are less than 6,000). 
Flight training, for the purposes of the notam, means with a certificated 
flight instructor on board and acting as PIC. Solo flight does not qualify. 
VFR flight training is still prohibited in the Boston enhanced Class B and in 
’s <A HREF="http://38.200.9.137/#plain";>plain-language 
guidance on notams</A>’re absolutely delighted that the majority of the 
’” 
“This is fantastic news for a segment of our 
“AOPA is also pleased to have played a 
role in crafting the solution to restoring flight training in the Class B 
areas. AOPA earlier this week gave FAA a compilation of the number and 
weights of GA aircraft inside Class B airspace. The association suggested 
that a temporary 6,000-pound weight limit could be imposed to answer security 
concerns near major metropolitan areas." Conspicuously missing from this good 
news is permission for basic, non-training VFR flight in enhanced Class B 
“This is bizarre, and we expected VFR operations would 
” In raising this issue with the 
FAA, it seems there is the perception of a greater element of control with 
flight training than non-training operations. The agency has assured AOPA 
they have a clear set of proposals to restore most VFR operations in enhanced 
Class B airspace, but they now must be approved at a higher level before they 
can proceed. In addition, Boyer pressed for the relocation of aircraft from 
the exclusionary Washington and New York areas. He was told that work on this 
is progressing, with relief expected very shortly. Boyer assured members 
“’t taking the weekend off on these remaining issues, and 
’ll be working to assist FAA in any manner to 
rapidly close the loopholes that are so critical to expanding Class B VFR 
”
 Due to the complexity of this notam, AOPA has gone to the extraordinary 
length of opening its 800 lines this Saturday, Sept. 22, from 8:30 a.m. to 6 
p.m. ET to answer member questions. Technical specialists will be standing 
by. AOPA Online will be updated throughout the weekend with answers to the 
most common questions about the new rules and other new developments.

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