Temporary flight restrictions are on the rise
You have probably noticed that the number and frequency of Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) affecting model aircraft have increased in the past several weeks. This is not surprising; unfortunately, the occurrence of TFRs is likely to increase as we get into the heart of the 2012 presidential campaign.
Following Mitt Romney’s apparent clinching of the Republican nomination, President Barack Obama’s campaign shifted into high gear and VIP TFRs increased as he traveled across the country.
Since January 2009, restrictions on model aircraft operations have been included as part of the security measures imposed whenever the president travels within the U.S. They also come into play during high-profile events such as the 25th NATO Summit in Chicago, the G-8 Summit at Camp David in Maryland, and Super Bowl XLVI in Indianapolis. Similar TFRs are expected for the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Florida (August 2012) and the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina (September 2012).
Why model aircraft are included
Many have asked why radio-controlled model aircraft operations are included in the restrictions and prohibited while a VIP TFR is in effect. Is it because model airplanes are viewed as posing a threat to national security or the welfare of heads of state?
Certainly AMA doesn’t believe this, and it is unlikely the FAA or the Secret Service believes this either. However, recent advancements in unmanned aircraft technology and the growth of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) operations have significantly clouded the issue.
Many UAS platforms resemble traditional model aircraft, and it is easy to imagine an unmanned aircraft designed to be harmful, disruptive, or even lethal. In a security zone, those monitoring the airspace must be able to tell friend from foe. Manned aircraft allowed to fly within the TFR are typically on a flight plan, communicate with air traffic control, and “squawk” an assigned transponder code. Everything else must remain on the ground or outside the TFR.
For unmanned aircraft, there is currently no definitive way to tell friend from foe, so the existing procedure is to ground all unmanned aircraft within the TFR, including model aircraft. Anything else appearing in the airspace is treated as suspect.
Why such a large area?
Current VIP TFRs typically extend 30 nautical miles (about 34.5 statute miles) and can encompass an area of more than 3,700 square miles. In some instances, TFR distances have been extended as far as 40 nautical miles. The size of the TFR is based on the reaction time and distance deemed necessary to detect and intercept an intruder. The intent is to intercept and neutralize a threat as far away from the protected center as possible.
Aviation safety is also a consideration, though not necessarily in the traditional sense. If an intruder aircraft is detected within the protected airspace, airborne assets are deployed and may employ aggressive tactical operations to counter the threat. The airspace must be as clear as possible to allow those intercepting aircraft to operate safely. For that reason, in addition to unmanned aircraft, other nonessential aeronautical operations are curtailed.
The following operations are not authorized within these TFRs:
- Flight training
- Practice instrument approaches
- Aerobatic flight
- Glider operations
- Seaplane operations
- Parachute operations
- Ultralight operations
- Hang gliding
- Balloon operations
- Agricultural/crop dusting
- Animal population control flights
Advocating on your behalf
Rich Hanson, a longtime modeler, former Vietnam helicopter pilot, and retired airline employee, leads a strong government-advocacy team. He is also a former AMA Executive Council member.
Rich provides answers to your questions on the government-relations section of the AMA website. Visit regularly for updates; his blog contains frequent updates on timely topics and news items.
Resources:
- Government relations page: www.modelaircraft.org/gov
- AMA government relations blog: http://amablog.modelaircraft.org/amgov
This is a complex issue that affects the entire aeromodeling community.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
