Some Restrictions Return, But No NYC ADIZ--Yet

EAA tells us that in a late-afternoon teleconference with a number of national aviation groups, the TSA and FAA announced three airspace restriction measures that will go into effect on Wednesday at 10 a.m. EDT as a result of the high-risk (Condition Orange) terrorist threat assessment level announced earlier Tuesday. First, the gateway airport and screening requirements for the so-called Maryland 3 airports (College Park Airport - CGS; Potomac Airfield - VKX; and Washington Executive/Hyde Field - W32) will be reinstated; All departing aircraft will be required to undergo inspection and passenger verification by TSA staff stationed on the ground.

TSA again has designated Tipton (FME), Fort Meade, Maryland, as the gateway airport to inspect passengers and aircraft for arriving flights at the three airports; second, flight waivers for sport stadium over flights will be suspended; and third, several categories of waivers for flight operations in the National Capital Region (NCR) will be suspended.

TSA's Pam Hamilton said NOTAMs for these would be issued late Tuesday, May 20, or early Wednesday. In addition, the NOTAM this weekend for the Indy 500 is expected to increase the TFR from three miles, 3,000 feet to seven miles, 10,000 feet.

Hamilton was quick to point out that, at this time, "There is no reason to think it appropriate to reinstate an ADIZ in New York City." Nor is a TFR for downtown Chicago called for, although she emphasized that could change if intelligence so warrants. Pilots planning to fly anywhere in U.S. national airspace are strongly urged to seek out the latest information regarding airspace restrictions and avoid sensitive areas as outlined in NOTAM 2/5167.

Pilots should also be extra vigilant in and around airports and report any suspicious activity or people to the National General Aviation Security Hotline at 866/GA SECURE (866/427-3287).

FMI: www.tsa.gov, www.eaa.org