[JYO] AOPA asks FAA to reduce size of presidential TFRs

From AOPA...
Nov. 8 ? AOPA is asking FAA to reduce the size of presidential temporary flight 
restriction areas. In a letter </whatsnew/newsitems/2002/021108letter.html> to 
FAA Administrator Marion Blakey, AOPA President Phil Boyer expressed concern 
over the proliferation of airspace restrictions impacting general aviation. He 
specifically mentioned the new 10-nautical-mile TFR 
</whatsnew/newsitems/2001/010915tfr.html> around Camp David in Maryland, which 
is effective over the weekend.
"The TFR closes Frederick's (FDK) ILS system to all practice approaches and 
student traffic," Boyer told Blakey. "Frederick is the second busiest airport 
in the state. It is a magnet for business aviation and student training, and it 
is home to a large soaring club. TFRs like this one impact general aviation 
flying and flight training, air charter operations, and airport businesses."
AOPA has also learned that the Camp David TFR might be expanded to a 30-nm 
radius, similar to TFRs around President Bush's retreats in Texas and Maine. 
"What has changed in the nation's threat profile to drive these new airspace 
restrictions?" Boyer asked. "The five-mile Camp David TFR has proven adequate 
for more than a year, even during the time of the 'Code Orange' elevated 
security alert."
Boyer noted that pilots in the Washington, D.C., area continue to suffer under 
the most significant post-9/11 airspace restrictions in the country. Many have 
been forced to relocate due to the Washington special flight rule 94, and 
general aviation has lost access to four airports in the area.
He also expressed concern that pilots would inadvertently violate the expanded 
Camp David TFR because "the notam system does a poor job of disseminating 
flight restriction information, and, as you saw firsthand just weeks ago at 
AOPA's Expo in Palm Springs, the notam system does not provide any graphical 
depiction of the airspace to assist pilots.
"Marion, I urge you to take action to educate the Secret Service about the 
effects that TFRs have on aviation. I also implore you to restore the airspace 
around Camp David and limit the TFR to the five-mile radius."


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