Planes Must Be In Contact With ATC In East River Corridor
ANN REALTIME REPORTING
10.13.06 1900 EDT: We knew it was coming... but we fear
this won't be where it ends. Aero-News has learned the FAA has
placed new restrictions on low altitude flights of fixed-wing
aircraft around Manhattan, as the agency reviews safety procedures
in the wake of Wednesday's building collision that claimed the
lives of two people onboard a Cirrus SR20.
WABC-7 reports the FAA has banned planes from the East River
corridor in New York, unless the pilot is in contact with air
traffic control. Previously, planes flying below 1,100 feet were
allowed to fly without contacting ATC. The station notes seaplanes
-- which land and takeoff from the East River -- are exempt from
the ban, as are rotorcraft.
WABC reports the FAA says it made the decision for safety
reasons.
Earlier in the day, the FAA issued a statement the agency was
working closely with the TSA "to quickly implement air flight
restrictions in metropolitan areas as part of our risk-based
approach to aviation security."
While acknowledging a Temporary Flight Restriction "can have a
significant impact on air traffic and commerce," the FAA states it
exercises such authority "when safety and security conditions
warrant it." The agency said it "will work with our partners at the
federal, state and local levels, as well as private industry, to
review current guidelines for general aviation and temporary flight
restrictions."
The news of the
restriction comes after lawmakers took to the airwaves
(realizing an easily-politicized, "us versus them"-type
scapegoat when they saw one -- Ed.) calling for a ban on
low-level flights following the accident, that
claimed the lives of New York Yankees pitcher Cory Lidle and flight
instructor Tyler Stanger.
"I do think that every flight should have to fly a flight plan,
every plane should be identified, every plane should not be allowed
in willy-nilly," New York Senator Charles Schumer said. Congressman
Anthony Weiner likened the previously unrestricted flight corridor
to the "Wild West."
New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg -- himself a pilot -- has been
a measured voice of reason in this affair. "We want to have the
ability to come and go," Bloomberg said. "People want to have the
ability to sight-see. People want to have the ability to enjoy
their lives and this sport. You just want to make sure that it
doesn't put any undue risks on everyone else."
"We have very few accidents for an awful lot of
traffic," Bloomberg added. "Every time you have an automobile
accident, you're not going to go and close the streets or prohibit
people from driving."
The FAA has not yet published a graphic NOTAM for the new
restrictions.