[JYO] Nuclear TFR notam set to expire, but new restrictions could be imposed

Nuclear TFR notam set to expire, but new restrictions could be imposed

11/6/01 4:39:08 PM ET — Although FAA's <A 
HREF="http://www.aopa.org/whatsnew/newsitems/2001/010915tfr.html#1/1980";>nuclear
 TFR notam</A> is set to expire at 
midnight tonight, AOPA has learned that government security officials have 
ongoing concerns regarding potential terrorist activity directed at nuclear 
facilities. AOPA continues to argue forcefully that general aviation aircraft 
do not pose a significant threat to these sites. However, the FAA on November 
2 imposed a six-day prohibition of Part 91 operations within a 10-nm radius 
and 18,000 feet over 90 nuclear plants. This action was in response to what 
was described as a "credible terrorist threat."

But FAA has only prohibited Part 91 general aviation operations near the 
nuclear sites. Part 135 air charter and Part 121 commercial air carrier 
operations are unrestricted and may operate in all of the TFR locations.

The nuclear TFR notam has been devastating to the 101 general aviation 
public-use airports and 650 private/public airports and landing facilities 
trapped inside the TFRs. The nuclear TFR has also been very problematic for 
individual operators and transient pilots because the notam contained 
inaccurate, incomplete, and misleading information regarding the actual 
location of the TFR airspace boundaries. In the first two days that it was in 
effect, over 60 enforcement actions were taken against pilots who unwittingly 
violated the confusing and misleading notam. AOPA has appealed directly to 
the head of Flight Standards, requesting that these enforcement actions be 
dropped, unless it is determined that the operator engaged in a blatant or 
intentional violation.

AOPA continues to press for relief from this unnecessary and ineffective TFR 
and will post updates as they become available. As always, check notams 
before you fly.

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