[JYO] TERRORIST THREATS INCREASE WASHINGTON, D.C. AIRSPACE RESTRICTIONS

TERRORIST THREATS INCREASE WASHINGTON, D.C. AIRSPACE RESTRICTIONS
AOPA is sending this message to advise pilots in and near Washington,
D.C., that as a result of increased security concerns, the FAA has
issued several notams restricting flight in the Washington metropolitan
area. Earlier today the Department of Homeland Security raised the
terrorist threat level from "elevated" to "high" (orange level);
Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge cited intelligence information
from credible sources of imminent terrorist attempts to attack at
levels "rivaling or exceeding" the September 11, 2001, attacks. Ridge
noted that al Qaeda continues to contemplate using aircraft as weapons.

The first of the security-related flight restrictions took effect
immediately. Others take effect at 11 p.m. local time tonight (Sunday,
December 21), and others become effective early Monday morning.

Effective immediately, six categories of waivers for operating in the
Washington, D.C., Metropolitan Area Air Defense Identification Zone
(ADIZ) are suspended. Waivers with the three-letter authorization codes
PIC, CSO, CRP, ADO, POA, or SVY are suspended until further notice
( http://www.aopa.org/whatsnew/notams.html#3/2027 ).

Beginning at 11 p.m. Eastern time tonight (Sunday, December 21), all
waivers nationwide for operating over major sporting events are
suspended ( http://www.aopa.org/whatsnew/notams.html#3/2028 ).

Beginning at 6 a.m. local time on Monday, December 22, the following
restrictions will go into effect:

* The 60-day test procedures implemented on November 1 for arrivals to
and departures from Bay Bridge Airport (W29) and Kentmorr Airpark
(3W3) are suspended. All operators must comply with the ADIZ flight
requirements, including the requirement to file an ADIZ flight plan,
obtain a discrete transponder code, and maintain two-way
communication with ATC prior to operating in the ADIZ
( http://www.aopa.org/whatsnew/notams.html#3/2030 ).

* The 60-day test procedures implemented on November 1 for departures
from a dozen "fringe airports" near the edge of the ADIZ are
suspended. All operators must comply with the ADIZ flight requirements,
including the requirement to file an ADIZ flight plan, obtain a
discrete transponder code, and maintain two-way communication with
ATC prior to operating in the ADIZ
( http://www.aopa.org/whatsnew/notams.html#3/2030 ).

* Pilots based at the "DC-3" airports (Hyde Field, Potomac, and College
Park airports) must once again clear security before departure and
again at a gateway airport before returning, this time Tipton Airport
(FME). The "DC-3" airports remain closed to all other pilots
( http://www.aopa.org/whatsnew/notams.html#3/2029 ).

"In a teleconference with top FAA and TSA security officials, AOPA
expressed concern about the last-minute notice of these restrictions,"
said AOPA Senior Vice President Andy Cebula. "We have told officials
that pilots may not get the word with enough lead time to prevent
unintentional incursions."

AOPA asks that all pilots remain vigilant and report suspicious
activities at your airports to AOPA's Airport Watch by calling
866/GA-SECURE.

Any revisions to the above notams will be posted on AOPA Online as soon
as possible after they are issued. Because TFR airspace frequently
changes, AOPA strongly encourages pilots to obtain a briefing and
CHECK NOTAMS before every flight. TFR violators will be intercepted and
forced to land.


==> HELPFUL WEB LINKS <==

AOPA's Real-Time Flight Planner provides up-to-the-minute graphical
depictions of TFRs ( http://www.aopa.org/flight_planner/ ).
Check the FAA's TFR Web site ( http://tfr.faa.gov ).

Download the AOPA Air Safety Foundation's intercept procedures card
( http://download.aopa.org/epilot/2003/intercept.pdf )or review ASF's
"Know Before You Go" program ( http://www.aopa.org/asf/know_before/ ).
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