Mon, Mar 04, 2013
Commentator Says FAA, Secret Service Focus On The Wrong Aircraft
Temporary flight restrictions designed to protect the President or put in place during major sporting events are targeted at exactly the wrong type of airplanes, according to a commentator writing recently in the UNLV Rebel Yell.
Dede Anderson writes in an op-ed piece in the paper that since the terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001, GA airplanes have been prevented from flying or using certain airports when the President is nearby, while airliners are allowed to operate normally. But, it is pointed out, the 9/11 terrorists used airliners to bring down the World Trade Center and attack the Pentagon, not a Cessna 172 or balloon. The author said that the practice continues even after a federally-funded study pointing out that GA airplanes pose no credible threat to the security of the President, while airliners have that capacity.
But during a Presidential VIP TFR, GA and business airplanes sit idly on the ramp. Small businesses such as flight schools and helicopter tour operators can lose thousands of dollars per day, and many operate on a margin that makes such losses painful, if not devastating. There is never any compensation from the federal government for those losses.
But non-aviation businesses are affected as well. Small airplanes deliver things like lab results and critical replacement parts for manufacturing operations quickly and efficiently, except when they are not allowed to due to a TFR.
Anderson urges readers to contact members of their congressional delegations and express a concern about the effect of TFRs on small businesses. "The general aviation industry belongs to all of us," Dede writes, "and we need to protect it."
(Pictured: Recent TFR in place in Las Vegas during a visit by President Obama)
More News
Inversion to Launch Reentry Vehicle Demonstrator Aboard SpaceX Falcon 9 This fall, the aerospace startup Inversion is set to launch its Ray reentry demonstrator capsule aboard Spac>[...]
"We are excited to accelerate the adoption of electric aviation technology and further our journey towards a sustainable future. The agreement with magniX underscores our commitmen>[...]
"The journey to this achievement started nearly a decade ago when a freshly commissioned Gentry, driven by a fascination with new technologies and a desire to contribute significan>[...]
Aero Linx: OX5 Aviation Pioneers Each year a national reunion of OX5 Aviation Pioneers is hosted by one of the Wings in the organization. The reunions attract much attention as man>[...]
"Our driven and innovative team of military and civilian Airmen delivers combat power daily, ensuring our nation is ready today and tomorrow." Source: General Duke Richardson, AFMC>[...]