Until today, the weather's been so bad this spring/fall that I haven't tried to fly during a Bedminster Presidential TFR. Bedminster TFR flights were routine during 2016-2020, as well as Wilmington DE and Philadelphia TFRs during 2020-2024. But both my experience today and experiences shared by others from earlier in the year paint a much different picture.
Three times I tried calling the NY Tracon Clearance Delivery phone number over a ca. 45 minute time span for VFR departure clearance into the 30 mile TFR ring, and each time the phone rang for 2-3 minutes and then reported that it could not be connected and I should call back later. Some other flyers were able to get through, but all were given at least 20 minutes wait for departure, and most were then assigned 1-3 more 20-30 minute waits...often with the engine running at the runway threshold. Others shared that today was on the worse end of normal, but that consistent TFR VFR departure delays were the norm.
I guess it's another symptom of ATC understaffing. Unless someone knows of another system or process change that triggered this new low in service.
Three times I tried calling the NY Tracon Clearance Delivery phone number over a ca. 45 minute time span for VFR departure clearance into the 30 mile TFR ring, and each time the phone rang for 2-3 minutes and then reported that it could not be connected and I should call back later. Some other flyers were able to get through, but all were given at least 20 minutes wait for departure, and most were then assigned 1-3 more 20-30 minute waits...often with the engine running at the runway threshold. Others shared that today was on the worse end of normal, but that consistent TFR VFR departure delays were the norm.
I guess it's another symptom of ATC understaffing. Unless someone knows of another system or process change that triggered this new low in service.
