Notice Posted In The Federal Register Wednesday

The FAA has posted a notice in the Federal Register that bans U.S. pilots from flying in Crimea and much of its territorial waters as the U.S. continues to dispute Russian actions in that region.

In the notice, the FAA says "This action prohibits certain flight operations in a portion of the Simferopol (UKFV) Flight Information Region (FIR) by all U.S. air carriers; U.S. commercial operators; persons exercising the privileges of a U.S. airman certificate, except when such persons are operating a U.S.-registered aircraft for a foreign air carrier; and operators of U.S.-registered civil aircraft, except when such operators are foreign air carriers. The FAA finds this action to be necessary to prevent a potential hazard to persons and aircraft engaged in such flight operations."

The FAA says that there is the potential for civil aircraft to receive confusing and conflicting air traffic control instructions from both Ukrainian and Russian ATS providers while operating in the portion of the Simferopol (UKFV) FIR covered by this Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR), presenting a potential hazard to civil flight operations in the disputed airspace.

"In addition, political and military tension between Ukraine and the Russian Federation remains high, and compliance with air traffic control instructions issued by the authorities of one country could result in a civil aircraft being misidentified as a threat and intercepted or otherwise engaged by air defense forces of the other country," the agency said.

This SFAR will remain in effect for one year. During this period, the FAA will continue to actively evaluate the area and the airports in the region to determine to what extent U.S. civil operators may be able to safely operate in the region. Adjustments to the SFAR may be appropriate if the risk to aviation safety and security changes. The FAA may amend or rescind the SFAR as necessary prior to the expiration date.

FMI: Federal Register SFAR