ADIZ 101 Now Available Online
To help general aviation
pilots understand the complexities of today's stricter airspace
rules and reduce violations of restricted airspace, the FAA is
offering special online training for anyone who flies in or near
restricted areas -- especially a certain area around Washington,
DC.
This training, accessed easily through a home computer and taken
at a pilot's own pace, provides detailed information on the
requirements and procedures required to operate in the Washington,
DC, Metropolitan Area Flight Restricted Zone (FRZ), the Washington
DC Metropolitan Area Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) and
other restricted airspace.
Pilots who complete the web-based course and pass a 25-question
multiple-choice test will receive a certificate of completion.
"Very few pilots actually intend to fly into restricted
airspace, but even an inadvertent violation could have serious
consequences," said FAA Administrator Marion C. Blakey. "Pilots are
strongly encouraged to take the training to help them understand
how to avoid getting into a difficult situation."
The FAA told Aero-News the training is part of a broad effort by
the FAA to reduce the number of violations of Washington
airspace.
Since June 2004, the FAA has expanded its educational efforts
with the general aviation community, including the Aircraft Owners
and Pilots Association (AOPA) Air Safety Foundation. Highly
experienced air traffic control specialists have conducted outreach
programs -- including visits to flight schools, local flying clubs,
local law enforcement aviation units, and military bases.
As a result, the number of restricted airspace violations has
dropped over the past year, according to the FAA (although those
that did occur received significant notice.)
The training provides detailed guidance on requirements and
procedures for flying in the Washington area, as well as a review
of requirements and procedures for operating in other types of
special use airspace. The course assumes pilots have a good
understanding of aircraft operation, air navigation and air traffic
control procedures. Most of the course's graphics incorporate
actual navigation charts. The FAA estimates the total time to take
the course and the test is about an hour.
The successful completion of the test is not a license to fly in
the ADIZ. Pilots who intend to operate in restricted airspace must
file a flight plan, be in contact with FAA air traffic control, and
obtain and continuously use a special transponder identification
code assigned by air traffic controllers, Blakey added.
The FRZ extends approximately 15 nautical miles (about 17
statute miles) around the Ronald Reagan Washington National
Airport, located in Arlington County, VA, four miles from downtown
Washington. The FRZ is not a perfect circle. The ADIZ surrounds the
FRZ, and extends in radius around the three major metropolitan
airports: Reagan Washington National, Thurgood Marshall
Baltimore-Washington International, and Dulles International. The
ADIZ extends approximately 20 nautical miles (about 23 statute
miles) around Dulles and Baltimore-Washington, and 30 nautical
miles (about 35 statute miles) around Washington National
Airport.