Tighter Than Normal Airspace Restrictions In Place On January 21

The planned 2013 Presidential Inauguration Festivities in Washington, DC are scheduled for January 21, 2013. At the request of the Department of Homeland Security and as part of the airspace security measures for the event, the FAA will be modifying the Washington Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA) and Washington Metropolitan Flight Restriction Zone (FRZ) with additional flight restrictions between the hours of 1000-1800 local.

Pursuant to 49 USC 40103(B), The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) classifies the airspace defined in these NOTAMs as "National Defense Airspace". Any person who knowingly or willfully violates the rules concerning operations in this airspace may be subject to certain criminal penalties under 49 USC 46307. Pilots who do not adhere to the following procedures may be intercepted, detained and interviewed by Law Enforcement/Security Personnel.

Any of the following additional actions may also be taken against a pilot who does not comply with the requirements or any special instructions or procedures announced in this NOTAM:

• The FAA may take administrative action, including imposing civil penalties and the suspension or revocation of airmen certificates.
• The United States government may pursue criminal charges, including charges under Title 49 of the United States Code, Section 46307.
• The United States government may use deadly force against the airborne aircraft, if it is determined that the aircraft poses an imminent security threat.

The DC SFRA is that area of airspace over the surface of the earth where the ready identification, location, and control of aircraft is required in the interest of national security. Specifically, the DC SFRA is that airspace, from the surface up to but not including FL180, within a 30 NM radius of 385134N/0770211W or the DCA VOR/DME.

The usual restrictions apply. No General Aviation IFR/VFR flights will be authorized to transit through the DC SFRA. Part 135 and General Aviation aircraft on an active IFR flight plan may arrive and/or depart Dulles International Airport (IAD), Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI) and Manassas Regional/Davis Airport (HEF) only. Only authorized DOD and Law Enforcement/Air Ambulance operations are permitted within the DC SFRA with prior coordination and approval from the Air Security Operations Center (ASOC) at 866-598-9524.

Pilots are advised to check NOTAMS before conducting any flight in the National Capitol Region, as conditions are subject to change with little of no notice.

FMI: www.faa.gov