Recent Last-Minute Trip To New York City Caused 'Chaos' In Surrounding Airspace

NATA's Vice President Eric Byer (pictured) wrote on his blog "Inside Washington" on Monday that a last-minute Presidential visit to New York City the previous Monday "threw the aviation community into turmoil."

President Obama traveled to NYC for an appearance on ABC’s “The View” and to deliver the commencement address at Barnard College. "The President’s flight into JFK shut down the airspace over the New York City area, including completely closing operations to TEB, from 1100 to 1600," Byer writes. "Closing TEB for five hours on a Monday?  Seriously?  And without any advance warning (the FAA issued a TFR at 1030) to the general aviation community so that numerous diversions took place and a general state of air traffic chaos ensued?"
 
Byer said that once again, the general aviation community suffered disproportionately. "Never before has a sitting U.S. President been so cavalier about his blatant disregard for an industry as this President has been regarding the general aviation community. And the sad part is that the President probably has no idea about the detrimental impact these trips have on our community every time they are made.
 
"Even worse is that as we embark upon the 2012 presidential election season these pop-up TFRs will only become more rampant. TFRs will be thrown up left and right between now and Election Day, with little warning and clear disregard for the livelihoods and businesses these air space restrictions disrupt. The fact is when aircraft do not fly, fuel is not sold, maintenance cannot be performed and people do not get paid."
 
Byer agrees that security is important and protecting the President is critical. "But let’s not lose sight of the fact that commerce is just as critical — not “The View” and not a commencement speech to Barnard College."
 
"So, what’s an industry like ours to do?  We should do what our founding fathers intended when they created this great country and its election process: use the power of our vote. Remember these TFRs and the impact they have on your business and life when you walk into your polling station on November 6th."

FMI: NATA Blog