Comments Accepted Until November 3

Will they finally get some relief? FBOs and businesses supporting general aviation at five airports around the Washington, DC area have waited patiently -- not that they've had any choice -- for compensation after the Washington ADIZ put a dent in their operations. Well... that patience may finally pay off.

A Department of Transportation Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) published Wednesday outlines requirements for businesses seeking part of a $17 million reimbursement fund. President Bush approved the money last November, to compensate businesses hurt by the strict flight restrictions. They've been waiting since then.

If approved, eligible business owners at Washington National; College Park Airport; Potomac Airfield; Washington Executive; and Capitol Street Heliport may apply for a fair portion of the money. All of those airports are under the (ostensibly temporary... but increasingly permanent) Air Defense Identification Zone around the DC area that went up following 9/11.

That area was completely shut down for time -- and today, aircraft going in and out of those airports must still deal with burdensome rules. Any deviation from those rules can mean a talk with the feds... or even a quick lesson on formation flight with an F-16.

Businesses owners say many pilots just stay away from the area, rather than deal with the rules... and that's hurt their bottom line.

Of course, this notice IS just a proposal. Interested parties should read through it and forward any comments to the appropriate agency... all the info you need is in the notice.

There's a 30-day comment period after which the rule becomes law... and Aero-News encourages our readers to read the entire document (it's 24 pages long, and steeped in government-ese... so you may wish to grab a beverage and find a comfortable chair beforehand) and send your thoughts.

FMI: Read The NPRM (.pdf)