[JYO] AOPA urges pilots to fly clear of sensitive facilities

Government warns of aviation threat to nuclear plants
AOPA urges pilots to fly clear of sensitive facilities

Feb. 1 — Security officials have stepped up warnings of a potential new 
terrorist attack on the United States. Terrorists might try to crash a 
hijacked commercial airliner into a nuclear power plant, according to 
intelligence reports. Dams and water and sewage treatment plants are also 
apparent targets.

"With our nation in this heightened state of alert, once again pilots must 
take care not to contribute to public fears," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. 
"Stay away from nuclear power plants, dams and other sensitive sites."

Although federal authorities have told AOPA there are currently no plans to 
reinstate the "nuclear notam," any "suspicious" flight near one of these 
facilities might prompt security officials to push for more restrictions.

"Low, slow over-flights, circling or loitering, might threaten the freedom 
we've fought so hard for, the restoration of general aviation flight 
throughout the nation," said Boyer.

Last November, the "nuclear notam" (which established a 10 nautical 
mile/18,000 feet "no fly" zone around nuclear power plants) closed more than 
700 airports to general aviation aircraft and grounded thousands of aircraft.

Other related posts: