Thu, Oct 05, 2006
Comments Accepted Until November 3
Will they finally get some relief? FBOs and businesses
supporting general aviation at five airports around the Washington,
DC area have waited patiently -- not that they've had any choice --
for compensation after the Washington ADIZ put a dent in their
operations. Well... that patience may finally pay off.
A Department of Transportation Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
(NPRM) published Wednesday outlines requirements for businesses
seeking part of a $17 million reimbursement fund. President Bush
approved the money last November, to compensate businesses hurt by
the strict flight restrictions. They've been waiting since
then.
If approved, eligible business owners at Washington National;
College Park Airport; Potomac Airfield; Washington Executive; and
Capitol Street Heliport may apply for a fair portion of the money.
All of those airports are under the (ostensibly temporary... but
increasingly permanent) Air Defense Identification Zone around the
DC area that went up following 9/11.
That area was completely shut down for time -- and today,
aircraft going in and out of those airports must still deal with
burdensome rules. Any deviation from those rules can mean a talk
with the feds... or even a quick lesson on formation flight with an
F-16.
Businesses owners say many pilots just stay away from the area,
rather than deal with the rules... and that's hurt their bottom
line.
Of course, this notice IS just a proposal. Interested parties
should read through it and forward any comments to the appropriate
agency... all the info you need is in the notice.
There's a 30-day comment period after which the rule becomes
law... and Aero-News encourages our readers to read the entire
document (it's 24 pages long, and steeped in government-ese... so
you may wish to grab a beverage and find a comfortable chair
beforehand) and send your thoughts.
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