They're Going With The Lasers

NORAD, working with the FAA and the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office, will conduct public briefings on the Visual Warning System on Thursday, April 14, for general aviation pilots who fly in or around the National Capital Region.

Three briefings times are scheduled for 1600, 1730 and 1900 at Signature Aviation, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, to demonstrate NORAD's Visual Warning System (VWS) that will become operational in the National Capital Region in approximately 30 to 45 days.

The VWS is designed to alert pilots who violate the Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) established by the FAA over Washington, D.C. VWS is a ground-based system that uses safety-tested, low-level beams of alternating red and green light to warn pilots they are flying without approval in designated airspace. The lights are eye-safe and non-hazardous at all ranges.

The new system will be used only on aircraft that are unauthorized in the ADIZ or unidentified and unresponsive. The visual warning is designed to prompt immediate action by the pilot to contact Air Traffic Control and exit the ADIZ. Prior to start-up, the FAA will post a Special Advisory Notice informing pilots of the new system and what to do in the event they are illuminated.

The briefings will be conducted at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport at Signature Aviation near Hangar 7. The hangar is at the south end of the row of terminal buildings and currently houses the Air Marine Operation/Customs Border Patrol helos and Citations. Follow signs to "General Aviation/Economy Parking" and either park in the General Aviation lot or the Economy lot. The entrance to Signature is under an Awning at the southern-most end of the hangar row. Call Signature for final directions at 703-417-3523.

FMI: www.faa.gov