High Rock

PRESIDENTIAL PROTECTIONS CONTINUE TO CAUSE CONCERN

As most pilots now clearly understand, the FAA establishes temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) throughout the country, typically applying to small geographic areas and lasting for brief periods of time, to protect presidential movements. Although the practice predates the events of September 11, the enforcement of these is critical. New requirements have been added. For example, during Vice President Cheney's Christmas stay in Jackson, Wyoming, all aircraft within 50 miles were required to obtain discrete transponder codes. Fighters intercepted several VFR aircraft that squawked 1200 instead of an assigned code. Two specific TFR areas that change frequently and should be closely monitored by pilots are P-49, the prohibited area over the Crawford Ranch in Texas, and P-40, which overlies Camp David in Maryland. Unfortunately, numerous recent incursions in both of these prohibited areas are raising FAA and national security community concerns, and could compromise the rights enjoyed by the entire general aviation community. AOPA reminds pilots to obtain current notams before every flight, even local flights. Pilots who violate these TFRs can expect to face certificate revocation as well as civil penalties.