[JYO] Hopefully, WE are next!

from AOPA...

TSA lifts NY ADIZ, Chicago TFR

Update: Apr. 17, 4:50:26 PM ET — The FAA this afternoon has delivered on what 
the Transportation Security Administration told AOPA this morning — the New 
York Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) and the downtown Chicago 
temporary flight restriction (TFR) are now rescinded. FAA published the 
cancellation notams this afternoon at 3:28 p.m. EDT. TSA said the 
restrictions were eliminated because of the reduced threat of terrorism now 
that major hostilities in Iraq have ceased and the threat level has been 
reduced to "yellow."

"AOPA is pleased that the Department of Homeland Security has taken this 
action," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "Ever since the ADIZ areas were 
established this past winter, AOPA has been campaigning for the restrictions 
to be eliminated as soon as the threat level was reduced. With today's 
action, we can claim partial success, but we question why we are not seeing a 
similar lifting of the Washington, D.C., ADIZ."

AOPA has been relentless in insisting to government officials that airspace 
restrictions be tied to specific, credible threats. On Wednesday, just hours 
after the threat level was lowered, Boyer sent a <A 
HREF="http://www.aopa.org/whatsnew/newsitems/2003/03-2-049x.html";>strongly 
worded letter</A> to 
the Department of Homeland Security demanding that the ADIZ areas be lifted. 
Last week AOPA pressed that message in meetings with various security 
agencies and members of Congress.

"I'm firmly convinced our constant pressure — particularly with the power of 
nearly 400,000 members behind us — kept GA pilots' concerns about these 
restricted areas at the forefront of officials' minds," said Boyer. "And 
we'll keep pressing on the Washington ADIZ."

That will be an important topic during an AOPA meeting early next week with 
Asa Hutchinson, the Homeland Security under secretary responsible for 
aviation issues. "The ADIZ was established when the terrorist threat level 
was increased to orange in February and should likewise be removed now that 
the threat level is back to yellow," said Boyer.

For now, though, all of the existing operating requirements for the 
Washington ADIZ remain in effect. This means pilots must file a flight plan, 
obtain a discrete transponder code, and be in two-way radio communication 
with air traffic control.

However, TSA will make some modifications to ease the burden on pilots 
operating from the DC-3 airports (College Park, Washington Executive/Hyde 
Field, Potomac Airport). DC-3-based pilots will no longer need to use gateway 
airports or screening procedures.

In addition, TSA will reinstate waivers to the National Capital Region, which 
primarily affects international general aviation flights. And the agency will 
reinstate waivers to the sporting events notam, although this will provide no 
relief for banner towers because they are banned for one year by federal 
legislation from receiving stadium waivers. The sporting event waivers will 
primarily benefit broadcasters and VIPs and athletes who want to fly to the 
event.

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