Security officials will finally get to hear directly from pilots, airport managers, and others about the economic and operational impacts of the Washington, D.C., Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ).

Thanks to AOPA's persistent efforts, contact by numerous members of Congress, and input from affected pilots, the FAA has announced two public meetings in January, which will also be attended by representatives from the departments of Defense and Homeland Security.

"This represents the first time since 9/11 that security officials and the FAA will attend public meetings together about airspace issues," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "The government will finally hear it from the people in their own words."

The public meetings were promised by Secretary of Transportation Norm Mineta at AOPA Expo in November.

The FAA wants to hear specifics from pilots, including how much the ADIZ had reduced their flying, what has been the loss time and revenue for pilots forced to fly longer routes because of the ADIZ, and whether the ADIZ has caused a loss of income.

The public meetings are scheduled for January 12 at the Sheraton Hotel in Columbia, Maryland, and January 18 at the Airport Marriott in Dulles, Virginia. The meetings at both locations will run between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., then start again at 6:30 p.m. and run until 9 p.m.

Pilots wishing to speak will need to submit a written request by January 5 for the first meeting.

FMI: www.faa.gov