[JYO] Feds accept AOPA compromise for 9/11 anniversary...

from AOPA...

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Feds accept AOPA compromise for 9/11 anniversary
Airspace security plan balances aviation interests and security

Sept. 5 — The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the FAA have 
accepted an AOPA-proposed compromise and softened the temporary flight 
restrictions (TFRs) around New York City for the first anniversary of the 
September 11 attacks.

Instead of the three-day total ban on aircraft weighing less than 12,500 
pounds operating within 30 nm of Ground Zero, the restrictions, announced 
this morning, will allow all GA aircraft to operate IFR during the September 
11-13 period.

"The compromise we proposed, and which is incorporated in the FAA 
announcement, offers a fairer, more balanced approach to aviation and 
security concerns," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "But even so, the 
government is still penalizing general aviation for an attack committed with 
large air carrier aircraft."

GA pilots will be able to conduct IFR operations in the New York restricted 
area for most of the three days, provided they file a flight plan with a 
flight service station (no DUAT) at least six hours in advance, maintain 
radio contact with air traffic control, and transmit discrete transponder 
codes. No flight training and no VFR flights will be allowed.

In addition to the three-day restriction around Ground Zero, the notam 
establishes three TFRs around the New York, Pennsylvania, and Pentagon crash 
sites during the times of scheduled remembrance ceremonies on September 11 
itself. In New York City and Somerset, Pennsylvania, the TFRs prohibit any 
general aviation (Part 91) or charter (Part 135) operations within 30 nm of 
the crash sites. In Washington, D.C., there will be a 30-nm restricted area, 
with IFR flights in the outer ring of the restricted area (15 sm to 34.5 sm, 
or 30 nm) permitted while the restricted area is active. All general aviation 
flights will be prohibited within 15 sm of the Washington Monument, as they 
are currently under SFAR 94.

AOPA staff were in daily contact with TSA representatives as the security 
measures were being drafted and provided crucial, quantifiable information 
about the impact the TFRs would have, including the number or airports, 
aircraft, and GA operations that would be affected by the various proposals.

"All pilots recognize the need for national security," said Boyer. "All we 
ask is that restrictions be reasonable and equitable. This time, it appears 
TSA and FAA heard our 385,000 voices."

02-3-109x

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