D.C. airspace violation

[Dave Siciliano]

Yesterday while watching Power Lunch (MSNBC), they announced that Washington airspace had been closed. One reporters was on the way to the White House and was turned back. Reportedly, the White House and Senate were evacuated.

Later, the talking heads explained a private plane had violated the airspace. They quickly mentioned it was another bad mark on private planes.

Not good for GA; 'specially when the White House and Senate area actually evacuated.

I wonder how often this is occurring.

Best,

Dave

 

[sba55]

Quite often, I think. When I was working directly across from the Dierksen Senate building, there were 3 evacuations in 3 months.

Of course, I suspect they do these evacuations just to substantiate their risk assesments of private airplanes. It's a complete over-reaction that most people who work in the area laugh at.

Felix

 

[poadeleted20]

The SFRA is being violated on nearly a daily basis, but the FRZ is violated much less often, and as Felix noted, evacuations are less common than that. And yes, every violation is a black mark against GA -- makes us look like real idiots who can't keep it between the lines.

 

[bbchien]

Collectively, we are. That's just how it is. In practice, the SFRA is really there to protect Us from getting shot down over the FRZ.

 

[Bob Noel]

it's too bad that the same geniuses that think these airspace violations are a blackmark on GA don't make the obvervation that these "security" measures are completely useless.

 

[sba55]

it's too bad that the same geniuses that think these airspace violations are a blackmark on GA don't make the obvervation that these "security" measures are completely useless.

Useless and onerous. I want to make a rule that all part 91/135 pilots have to squawk 1200 for 15 seconds every 2 minutes. Then, every time someone messes up, I will point out that GA isn't up to par.

-Felix

 

[flyersfan31]

How on earth is ANYONE dumb enough to fly into the FRZ? Honestly!!! How STUPID can you be???!!!!!!!!