For the STS-115 launch
of Space Shuttle Atlantis, NASA managers are urging all aircraft
pilots and boaters to fully comply with the
airspace restrictions imposed around Kennedy Space Center
prior to and during shuttle launches and landings.
"As always, we are coordinating with officials from the U.S. Air
Force Eastern Range, Federal Aviation Administration and the U.S.
Coast Guard to help provide a safe launch environment for the
shuttle crew and for interested spectators," said KSC Launch
Director Mike Leinbach.
"Violating these restrictions is not only unsafe for the
astronauts and support crews, it's unsafe for the violator."
The first launch opportunity is Sunday, Aug. 27, with liftoff
targeted for 4:30 p.m. EDT. This launch time is approximately in
the middle of a 10-minute launch window. At NASA's request, Air
Force and Coast Guard surveillance aircraft will patrol KSC's
airspace boundaries on launch day. Violators will be intercepted by
patrol forces, thoroughly investigated and subject to FAA
enforcement action. A number of restrictions remain in effect
around KSC during the hours immediately following the launch of a
space shuttle.
The following are restrictions that apply to pilots using
the airspace around KSC.
KSC Area Aviation Restrictions
For the launch of Atlantis on mission STS-115, all restricted
areas surrounding KSC will be active and the area covered by flight
restrictions has once again been expanded for this launch. The
length of time the restrictions will be in effect prior to launch
has also been extended.
Due to international terrorist activities, heightened security
is essential to protect the space shuttle as a national asset. An
inadvertent unauthorized incursion into the area of the Cape
Canaveral Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) could cause a scrub in
the launch of Atlantis, the activation of airspace defenses and an
FAA enforcement action. Local pilots are asked to help NASA by
respecting these temporary but necessary restrictions so the launch
can occur on time and without incident.
The Eastern Range restricted airspace for KSC and Cape Canaveral
Air Force Station is in effect on a continuous basis and is off
limits to general aviation pilots. Access is limited to official
aircraft only. The restricted airspace normally covers the area
bounded by the Indian River to the west, Port Canaveral to the
south, the city of Oak Hill to the north, and three miles over the
Atlantic Ocean to the east.
On launch day, these restricted areas will be expanded by the
TFR and will be activated at approximately launch minus 7 hours. It
will continue in effect until approximately 20 minutes after
launch, after which the standard restricted areas for KSC and Cape
Canaveral Air Force Station will be in effect. On Aug. 27, the TFR
will be activated at 9:24 a.m. EDT. The launch is targeted to occur
at 4:30 p.m. EDT. Should the launch be scrubbed during the terminal
countdown, the TFR will remain in effect until 5:54 p.m. For the
next launch attempt, pilots should check NOTAMS for the hours the
TFR will be in effect.
General aviation and VFR operations are prohibited within a
30-nautical-mile radius of Launch Pad 39-B from the surface to (but
not including) 18,000 feet (located on the Melbourne VOR/DME
004-degree radial at 30.6 nautical miles). Among the public-use
general aviation airports affected within this area are Space Coast
Regional Airport in Titusville, Arthur Dunn Airpark in Titusville,
Merritt Island Airport on Merritt Island and Massey Ranch in
Edgewater.
Within an airspace radius between 30 and 40 nautical miles of
Pad 39-B, a discrete transponder code must be obtained and
clearance granted from air traffic control before entering this
airspace. Continuous radio communications must be maintained.
Before flight, pilots should contact the St. Petersburg FAA
Flight Service Station at 1-800/WxBrief (1-800/992-7433) for
details of the restrictions contained in the NOTAMS. In flight,
outside Orlando Class B airspace, pilots should contact Orlando
Approach control on 134.95. In the Melbourne area, contact Orlando
Approach control on 132.65. In the New Smyrna Beach area, contact
Orlando Approach control on 125.35. Flight Service can also be
reached locally by radio on the Titusville RCO at 123.6 or the
Melbourne RCO on 122.6. Advisories will also be available from the
control tower at Space Coast Regional Airport in Titusville at
118.9 megahertz.
Among the public-use airports affected within the 30- to
40-nautical-mile radius in which flight is permitted but under
positive air traffic control are Orlando International Airport,
Orlando Executive Airport, Orlando-Sanford International Airport,
the New Smyrna Beach Municipal Airport, Melbourne International
Airport and Valkaria airport. Pilots are encouraged to consult the
most recent FAA aeronautical chart for Orlando Class B airspace
dated Feb. 16.