Boyer Tells TSA Airspace "Pain" Goes Far Beyond DC and NYC

With the major fighting in Iraq now over and the terror threat level in the United States lowered from Orange to Yellow, the AOPA is once again pushing federal authorities to lift longstanding "temporary" flight restrictions (TFRs). While the New York Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) and the downtown Chicago TFR have been rescinded, flight restrictions still plague pilots in 13 states, from the state of Washington to the District of Columbia.

Isn't It About Time?

In a letter to TSA chief James Loy, AOPA President Phil Boyer said, "AOPA members are asking, 'Isn't it time for temporary restrictions to be lifted given the reduced threat level, ending of hostilities in Iraq, and phase-out of Operation Liberty Shield?'"

AOPA recently conducted a review of the 16 national security TFRs that have been in effect since shortly after the September 11 terrorist attacks, and every area has a local impact on general aviation operations.

For example, four security TFRs in Washington State's Puget Sound region have had a significant impact on three Victor airways, VFR arrivals and departures at three airports, and have led to the closure of a seaplane base. Similar impacts have been felt in Arkansas, Indiana, Kentucky, Hawaii, Texas, Colorado, Alabama, Utah, Missouri, and Georgia.

"AOPA is asking the TSA to consider removing these restrictions," said Boyer. "We want to ensure due consideration is given to the continued need for each one, especially when you consider that these restrictions have been in place for almost 18 months."

The Letter

April 25, 2003

James Loy, Administrator
Transportation Security Administration
11th Floor, TSA-9
400 Seventh Street, SW
Washington, DC 20591

Dear Admiral Loy,

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), representing the interests of almost 400,000 general aviation owners and pilots requests that your office take immediate action to rescind 16 national security temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) that have been in effect since shortly after 9-11 throughout the United States. AOPA members are asking, "isn't it time for temporary restrictions to be lifted given the reduced threat level, ending of hostilities in Iraq, and phase out of Operation Liberty Shield?"

While much of the attention has been on the airspace restrictions in Washington, DC, and New York, other areas of the country have been facing more localized TFRs. However, don't let the smaller size of these restrictions fool you, general aviation is substantially affected by these airspace restrictions. The AOPA staff has reviewed the 16 national security TFRs in effect throughout the United States, focusing on the impacts these restrictions have on the civil aviation system. This letter contains the results from that work along with a request that due consideration be given to lifting those that are no longer necessary.

FDC NOTAMs 1/0447, 1/0449, 1/0451, and 1/1812 collectively have a tremendous impact to GA pilots in Washington State's Puget Sound region. These include raising the MEA of V165, V287, and V4 airways; impact to VFR arrivals/departures from/to north of Snohomish County Airport; impact to VFR arrivals/departures from/to east of Jefferson County Airport; impact to VFR arrivals/departures from/to north of Apex Airport; closure of the Port of Poulsbo Seaplane Base; impact to arrivals/departures from/to northeast of Bremerton National Airport; impact to the Bremerton ILS 19 approach; and impact to VFR transients throughout the region.

FDC NOTAM 2/2664 in effect for the State of Washington impacts transients using the Columbia River as a major VFR checkpoint.

FDC NOTAM 1/2602 in effect for the State of Arkansas impacts north/south transients using both the Arkansas River and Interstate I-65 as major VFR checkpoints.

FDC NOTAM 2/2183 in effect for the State of Indiana impacts IFR/VFR use of V305 and VR619 and VR615. In addition, Federal highway 231 is also used as a VFR flyway for aircraft flying to the north or south.

FDC NOTAM 2/3647 in effect for the State of Kentucky disrupts arrivals/departures to/from east of Madison County and Berea Richmond Airports. Transients using Interstate I-75 as a VFR landmark in this area are also impacted by this restriction.

FDC NOTAM 1/0661 in effect for the State of Indiana raises the MEA of V171 and V434 airways. In addition, north/south-bound transient aircraft using Interstate I-41 as a major VFR checkpoint are also impacted by this restriction.

FDC NOTAM 1/0381 in effect for the State of Hawaii impacts VFR transients operating north of the Honolulu Class B complex.

FDC NOTAM 1/2619 in effect for the State of Texas raises the MEA of V16-278, V573, and V54 airways. In addition, east/west-bound transient aircraft using Interstate I-82 as a major VFR checkpoint are also impacted by this restriction.

FDC NOTAM 1/0426 in effect for the State of Colorado impacts arrivals/departures to the east of the Pueblo Memorial Airport. The MEA of V83-389 and V10-244 airways is also increased by these restrictions. Finally, Youtsey private airfield is severely impacted by the cited TFR.

FDC NOTAM 2/3276 in effect for the State of Alabama impacts transient VFR operations in and around the Talladega, McMinn, and Anniston Metropolitan Airports.

FDC NOTAM 2/0229 in effect for the State of Utah impacts transient VFR operations southwest of the Salt Lake City International Airport Class B complex.

FDC NOTAM 3/1794 in effect for the State of Missouri. This restriction impacts flight operations east of the Skyhaven Airport. Arrivals/departures to the west of the Sedalia Memorial Airport are also affected by this TFR. Finally, east/west-bound transients using Interstate I-50 as a major VFR checkpoint are also impacted by the cited NOTAM.

FDC NOTAM 1/2887 in effect for the State of Georgia impacts flight operations in and around the St. Mary's Airport.

While the need for TFRs based on specific, credible threats is understandable; we want to ensure due consideration is given to the continued need for each one. Please work with the appropriate agencies to bring about an end to these restrictions.

Sincerely,

Phil Boyer
President

cc: Admiral Shkor, TSA, COO
Marion Blakey, FAA, Administrator

FMI: www.aopa.org