[JYO] AOPA Update 9/17/01 7:40PM - Still awaiting decision on VFR flight ops

Still awaiting decision on VFR flight ops

    Monday, September 17, 2001 7:40:33 PM— As of Monday evening, there is 
still no decision from the federal government about the resumption of VFR 
flight operations. VFR flights remain grounded. General aviation Part 91 IFR 
operations are permitted with restrictions (see <A 
HREF="http://www.aopa.org/index.shtml#ifr";>story below</A>). AOPA will 
remain in communication with the top levels of the FAA throughout the night. 
Any changes will be posted on the website. Early this evening, AOPA President 
Phil Boyer spoke with two senior FAA managers about the meeting held this 
afternoon to discuss the phase-in of additional classes of users to the 
National Airspace System. Those discussions specifically included VFR 
operations. Unfortunately for the majority of America's pilots waiting on the 
ability to fly under visual flight rules, no firm decision was made. This 
meeting did consider the work produced during a weekend meeting between FAA 
Air Traffic personnel, AOPA managers, and Department of Defense officials. 
Boyer was told that high-level, non-FAA government officials were briefed on 
this work and were also briefed on some last-minute suggestions that AOPA 
sent to FAA early this afternoon prior to the meeting. Due to the national 
security issues involved, FAA finds itself explaining general aviation and 
educating those not as familiar with GA about its important role in personal 
and business transportation, about the critical financial impact on flight 
training operators, and about the other economic business needs served by GA. 
In addition, there continues to be the "legitimate protection needs" 
concerning some locations at risk during this uncertain time. AOPA will be 
providing FAA with additional information about the general aviation VFR 
market early Tuesday morning in advance of another meeting mid-day between 
FAA and other government bodies. AOPA Online will also continue to update 
members and pilots on this situation as we receive feedback from Tuesday's 
meeting. Boyer, in attempting to manage pilot expectations, stated, "One 
thing is clearly evident from my discussions with FAA management and what 
little of the national security concerns they can publicly share: the return 
” Meanwhile, 
AOPA this afternoon expressed concern to FAA air traffic officials about 
inaccurate information some pilots are receiving from a few flight service 
“take your 
” Another FSS told 
a pilot that all VFR flights would have to be on a flight plan. None of this 
information is official or accurate. AOPA asked FAA headquarters to ensure 
that all communications to pilots consist of official information, not rumors 
or speculation.

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