FAA Publishes NOTAM, Procedures For DC-Area Airports

The time has come for the FAA to put out its extensive list of flight operation management plans for the Washington, DC, area during the January 20 presidential inauguration. This includes a NOTAM over the existing DC Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA) and other airport limitations.

The NOTAM,  FDC 5/3852, was published on January 15 and is effective from 1300 UTC on January 20 to 0400 UTC on January 21.  The restrictions apply to the DC Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA) and cover airspace from the surface up to 17,999 feet MSL.

The TFR establishes a 30-nautical-mile restricted zone centered on the DCA VOR/DME. Only Part 135 and Part 91 aircraft on active IFR flight plans are permitted to operate within the SFRA, with access restricted to IAD, BWI, HEF, and JYO. Pilots are advised to check for updated NOTAMs and contact flight service stations for current airspace conditions before operating in the Washington, DC, area.

All flights, including those by the Department of Defense, law enforcement, and air ambulance services, will require prior approval from the Air Security Operations Center (ASOC). The request must be given the green light within 48 hours of the NOTAM’s effective time, and all flight waivers will be suspended except for specific government-related operations.

Unusually high traffic is expected at many DC-area airports between January 17 and 22 for the event. At Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), Runway 1L/19R will be temporarily closed to provide long-term aircraft parking. Departure slots will be required for all of IAD’s departing flights on January 21 along with special procedures on January 21 and 22 to manage the high volume of operations.

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) will be restricting business aviation access to participants in the DCA Access Standard Security Program (DASSP). A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) will be active on January 20, prohibiting DASSP operations during the event.

Manassas Regional Airport (HEF) will not require reservations, though operators are encouraged to coordinate with FBOs to confirm parking availability.

FMI: https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_5_3852.html