[JYO] AOPA pushes to remove 16 post-9/11 security TFRs around U.S.

AOPA pushes to remove 16 post-9/11 security TFRs around U.S.
Boyer tells TSA airspace "pain" goes far beyond DC and NYC

Apr. 25 — With the major fighting in Iraq concluded and the terrorist threat 
level in the United States lowered, AOPA is once again pushing to have 
longstanding "temporary" flight restrictions (TFRs) lifted. While the New 
York Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) and the downtown Chicago TFR have 
been rescinded, flight restrictions still plague pilots in 13 states, from 
Washington on the West Coast to Washington, D.C. in the east.

<A HREF="http://www.aopa.org/whatsnew/newsitems/2003/030425letter.html";>In a 
letter</A> to Adm. James Loy, the head of the Transportation Security 
Administration (TSA), AOPA President Phil Boyer said, "AOPA members are 
asking, 'Isn't it time for temporary restrictions to be lifted given the 
reduced threat level, ending of hostilities in Iraq, and phase-out of 
Operation Liberty Shield?'"

AOPA recently conducted a review of the <A 
HREF="http://www.aopa.org/whatsnew/newsitems/2003/030425tfrs.html";>16 national 
security TFRs</A> that have 
been in effect since shortly after the September 11 terrorist attacks, and 
every area has a local impact on general aviation operations.

For example, four security TFRs in Washington State's Puget Sound region have 
had a significant impact on three Victor airways, VFR arrivals and departures 
at three airports, and have led to the closure of a seaplane base. Similar 
impacts have been felt in Arkansas, Indiana, Kentucky, Hawaii, Texas, 
Colorado, Alabama, Utah, Missouri, and Georgia.

"AOPA is asking the TSA to consider removing these restrictions," said Boyer. 
"We want to ensure due consideration is given to the continued need for each 
one, especially when you consider that these restrictions have been in place 
for almost 18 months."

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