Some GPS Units Already Show 'Speed Ring'

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association reports pilots using certain GPS receivers to navigate the complex airspace around Washington, DC have been receiving images that make the airspace look even more confusing.

That's because the not-yet-active 60-nautical-mile-radius VFR speed-limitation ring around the Washington, DC Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) is being depicted on some in-flight displays with graphics similar to that of a temporary flight restriction (TFR).

AOPA has contacted Garmin, Honeywell, and Avidyne about the problem... and is working to have the redesigned ADIZ and speed-ring depictions removed until they become active on August 30.

"The speed ring is not a TFR. It simply limits VFR aircraft to 230 knots, and that must be made clear on cockpit displays," said Melissa Rudinger, AOPA vice president of regulatory affairs. "AOPA is also working with the FAA, GPS manufacturers, and data vendors to create a standard depiction for the speed ring that does not resemble those used for TFRs."

FMI: www.tfr.faa.gov, www.aopa.org