Be Vigilant!

Wednesday’s airspace incursion in Washington, DC, in which a Cessna 150 strayed deep into the 15-mile Flight Restricted Zone, and the subsequent security threat it caused in our nation’s capital, should serve as a reminder to all pilots to be extremely vigilant in meeting their responsibilities as pilot in command.

The pilot was flying through some of the nation’s most highly complex airspace. According to news reports, the aircraft en route from Pennsylvania to North Carolina violated the no-fly zone by wandering to within three miles of the White House. The airspace incursion caused the White House, US Capitol and Supreme Court buildings to be briefly evacuated.

EAA and all of general aviation depend on every pilot to demonstrate professional airmanship to protect the future freedom of flight. When you plan to fly, always first check the latest notices to airmen (NOTAMs) on EAA Flight Planner or through an FAA Flight Service Station. Avoid open-air assemblies, power plants, industrial complexes, reservoirs and dams, and, yes, all sensitive areas such as the Washington, D.C. FRZ.

FMI: www.eaa.org