Pilots Advised to "C.Y.A."

As ANN predicted Monday afternoon, the Department of Homeland Security has raised the current national security threat level from "Yellow" to "Orange." This is reportedly in response to the upcoming military actions expected (within 48 hours, we hear) in Iraq.

We have also been updated about a new plan to be named "Operation Liberty Shield" that is being put in place. It will dictate specific orders to protect the nation's "critical infrastructures," and we expect that will mean the imposition of increased security at borders, airports, and all ports of entry.

With this development, pilots can expect additional flight restrictions throughout the country, particularly in the New York and Washington, D.C., areas. Other restrictions may be put in place near military installations, nuclear powerplants, and other "sensitive" areas, as deemed appropriate by National Security officials.

Pilots can expect more limitations, more poor/limited warning/communication about same, and lots of potential for trouble and violations as they try to fly in the US.

Pilots are urged to carefully operate near any area that might remotely be considered as "sensitive," and to regularly update themselves with FSS and ATC (enroute) in order to keep from running afoul of any new restrictions or operating limitations that may be announced and instigated with little or no warning. As always, we'll keep you apprised.

FMI: www.faa.gov, www.dhs.gov