Multiple TFRs Will Be In Place During The Event

An e-mail forwarded to ANN by a representative of Alfred Whitted Airport (KSPG) in Tampa, FL, outlines what kinds of temporary flight restrictions pilots can expect when the Republican National Convention comes to town August 26-30. If anything, the restrictions will be more stringent for the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, NC early in September, as the President will be in attendance.

But for Tampa this summer, pilots can expect TFRs that are Presidential in size and configuration, according to early information from TSA. The restirctions will extend from the surface to 18,000 MSL and have the Presidential 10 nm & 30 nm zones. The 10 nm zone will be a no fly zone, while the 30 nm zone will allow only IFR & VFR flights with filed flight plans and on discrete transponder codes. Also there will be no flight training, instrument practice, banner towing, aerial photo, aerial surveys, etc. in the 30 nm zone during the TFR period.

KSPG falls within the 10 nm zone that will be in place for the Sunday RNC "party" at Tropicana Field, and will shut down flight operations all day after 0900, according to Jack W. Tunstill AOPA Airport Support Network volunteer at the airport. Albert Whitted Air Traffic Control Tower will not allow takeoffs and Tampa Approach Control will not allow entry into the no fly zone. The center of the TFR for Monday-Thursday will be the Tampa Bay Times Forum. This TFR will impact Peter O'Knight (TPF) & Tampa Executive (VDF) airports with no fly zones.

Tunstill said that short duration Presidential TFRs are not uncommon in the Tampa Bay area, but these TFRs are like those that appear when the President and his family go on vacation. "They are more than a few hours of inconvenience. They will have a major economic impact on the GA community, but we cannot afford to become a news item during this time, so plan ahead."

FMI: www.tsa.gov