[JYO] NSC still prohibits most VFR operations 9/19/01 8:47:39 AM, ET

NSC still prohibits most VFR operations     — The 
National Security Council (NSC) met again last night at 5 p.m. EDT to 
consider VFR flight operations, but it made no decisions. VFR flight still is 
prohibited except in Alaska and with a few exceptions noted below. The NSC is 
supposed to discuss VFR flight again today. AOPA is in direct communication 
with the senior FAA officials who are in those NSC meetings. AOPA has given 
those officials all of the information about the impact the VFR ban is having 
on general aviation. AOPA has also offered plans for restarting VFR flight 
operations. AOPA President Phil Boyer is also talking personally to Secretary 
of Transportation Norman Mineta and FAA Administrator Jane Garvey almost 
daily, again reiterating the message that VFR general aviation operations are 
an important part of the national transportation system.

FAA has issued an amended notam that now permits some photo missions to 
circle VFR, provided that the flight begins and ends on an IFR flight plan, 
and the photo activity remains clear of Class B airspace, temporary flight 
restrictions, and other restricted airspace. Certain medevac and other 
emergency VFR flights are also permitted, along with Part 137 agricultural 
operations outside of Class B airspace. Pilots must obtain and understand the 
most current notams. Pilots are again warned: VFR flight is prohibited. 
Fighter aircraft will intercept any civilian aircraft that takes off without 
an IFR flight plan, a discrete beacon code, and ATC clearance.

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