TFRs Increasing Security Restrictions In DC Area

Pilots operating in the Washington, D.C. area are advised that the FAA will issue Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) via NOTAMs in advance of President Jimmy Carter’s State Funeral on January 9, 2025.

The TFRs are at the request of the Department of Homeland Security and are intended to increase security restrictions in the D.C. Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA) and the D.C. Flight Restricted Zone (FRZ) airspaces. Prior to operations, pilots are strongly advised to check the NOTAMs frequently for further details and possible changes.

For the D.C. SFRA, the following additional restrictions will be in effect:

• VFR/IFR transit flights – not landing or departing an SFRA airport – or loitering within the SFRA, are not permitted
• Part 93.339, which authorizes VFR traffic pattern operations at SFRA airports, will be suspended

For the D.C. FRZ, the following additional restrictions will be in effect:

• DoD, Law Enforcement, and Air Ambulance operations will be permitted within the D.C. FRZ
• All aircraft, except approved Diplomatic flights, arriving and/or departing from Joint Base Andrews (KADW) or Davison Army Airfield (KDAA) MUST coordinate with and receive approval from the Air Support Operations Center (ASOC)
• Foreign State aircraft with a State Department-issued diplomatic clearance are authorized to land at Joint Base Andrews ONLY
• Part 93 and NOTAM 4/2565, which authorizes operations at the Maryland 3 airports, Potomac Airfield (KVKX) and College Park Airport (KCSG), will be suspended

The restrictions described above are summaries and are subject to change with little or no notice, and pilots are again urged to check the NOTAMs frequently or to contact a Flight Service Station at 1-800 EX-BRIEF prior to flight to check for all current NOTAMs.

FMI:  www.faasafety.gov/