Helped Pilots Generate NO Airspace Violations During June Event

Thanks to an aggressive communications plan, including hands-on outreach by Civil Air Patrol squadrons up and down the East Coast, pilots attending the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association's recent Fly-In and Open House met the challenge to have zero violations of expanded airspace restrictions over nearby Camp David.

As ANN reported, the federal government -- always eager to help pilots -- expanded the notorious P-40 Restricted Area over Camp David from June 6-8... the exact timeframe of AOPA's 2008 Fly-In in Frederick, MD, which lies 14 miles from the center of the restricted zone.

AOPA got the word out early, warning pilots to steer clear of P-40. CAP members from the Northeast, Middle East and Great Lakes regions assisted AOPA by alerting pilots at airports throughout the eastern US about the expanded airspace, as well.

The expanded airspace restriction, coupled with the nearby Washington, DC Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) airspace restriction, squeezed pilots into a small arrival corridor. CAP's communications successfully helped prevent any airspace violations for AOPA Fly-In attendees.

In recognition of and appreciation for CAP’s helpful role in preventing airspace violations, AOPA will make good on its promise to present a $5,000 check to CAP during the organization's National Board meeting, to be held August 8 in Kissimmee, FL.

"We challenged pilots coming to the fly-in to show the FAA and the security folks just how conscientious pilots really are," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "We said if they delivered on that challenge -- no incursion violations -- we'd donate $5,000 to the Civil Air Patrol to thank them for their assistance in this effort. This is money I’m GLAD to give away."

"This was a great opportunity to assist an important CAP partner," added Brig. Gen. Amy S. Courter, CAP interim national commander. "As an organization consisting of many pilots, both retired military and general aviation enthusiasts, we are proud to do our part to ensure smooth flying for AOPA and its members."

FMI: www.cap.gov, www.aopa.org