Incursions Included A Flight Of Two Military Helicopters

A TFR put in place around Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport over the weekend for a visit by President Barack Obama was violated 8 times, according to the FAA. One of those incursions was a flight of two military helicopters [who really probably should have known better. Ed.].

Sky Harbor Sectional

The TFR extended some 30 miles around Sky Harbor airport, and was in effect most of the weekend. FAA spokesman Ian Gregor told the Arizona Republic all the incursions occurred in the so-called "outer ring", from 10 to 30 miles from the center of the TFR. While the origin of the military flights has not been determined, Gregor said two of the civilian flights departed from Falcon Field and Glendale airports. The others appeard to be local aircraft, but their departure points also were not known.

Gregor said the FAA makes TFR information readily available to pilots, and it is their responsibility to check for temporary changes in airspace restrictions. Pilots who violate TFR's face penalties ranging from a warning from the FAA to license revocation.

FMI: www.faa.gov