Recently in District X, we had a unique experience with a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR). TFRs are typically issued by the FAA to restrict the airspace around the US President when he travels. They have been an impediment to aeromodeling for the last 10 years.
The problem for modelers is that the FAA has lumped aeromodeling in with full-scale aircraft in a one-size-fits-all policy. TFRs are usually circular in shape and 60 miles in diameter; that results in an area exceeding 2,800 square miles. They are frequently issued with only a 48-hour notice. We have more than our fair share of them in the district, and they are a significant imposition on modelers.
The Coachella Valley Radio Control Club (CVRCC) had scheduled a jet rally. The club had put much effort into planning this invitational event. The beneficiary of the event was the Wounded Warrior Project.
With only days to go before the event, a TFR was issued that covered the CVRCC field for the weekend, putting the event in jeopardy. I received a call from the CD asking if the AMA could help. We went to work and made a request to the FAA to issue a waiver so that the event could be held.
Because 80% of the time the answer we receive is “no,” there was a real concern that the event would be scrubbed. The FAA doesn’t share with the AMA how it decides to issue waivers. In this case, only a day before the event we were told it would be allowed to proceed with some restrictions.
The flying at the event was required to be within 1 mile of the field and kept below 1,000 feet, both of which were easily met. These restrictions show a lack of understanding regarding the practical limits of aeromodeling by the people making the decisions. I believe that is a significant hurdle on this subject. Additionally, all of the aircraft were inspected by law enforcement before flying and flightline access was restricted.
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The event was a success. The club raised $1,500 for the Wounded Warrior Project and the CVRCC has an annual event that it can build on. This could easily have gone the other way. Why this event was approved and the majority are not is unknown.
We will never know for sure, but I think it is likely the waiver was issued because the Wounded Warrior Project was involved and local media had covered the event. These were likely large factors in obtaining the waiver. Grounding the event would have been a public relations issue for the FAA.
The security threat attributed to model airplanes is grossly overstated and that the security measures imposed are overreaching and excessive. Regardless of how poorly current public policy is on this subject, it is important that we comply until these restrictions are permanently lifted.
I’d like to hear from you what you think about TFRs and how they are limiting your ability to enjoy our sport. Please let me know about past TFRs and events that had to be canceled or rescheduled. As new TFRs are issued, send me specific examples of the burden these overreaching restrictions are placing on you.
Please enjoy some of my favorite photos of the Jet Jam, courtesy of CVRCC’s Jim Burk.
Until next month, may you have nothing but happy landings.[