BrianR
Pre-takeoff checklist
So I made a rather impromptu flight yesterday from central NY down to KTHV in York. It was the first time flying out of state since I got my ticket, as well as my longest cross country to date. It was one of those absolutely gorgeous days to fly. The entire return trip was made at night, which was also great experience. There's nothing like being able to identify cities 100 miles away by the lights!
I was "talking and squawking" all the way down. I obtained a DUATS briefing, checked for notams and TFRs, and finding none of consequence, proceeded on my merry way.
Now, I was aware of the restricted area near Fort Indiantown Gap, since the examiner asked me about it during my PP oral. However, the info on the sectional clearly indicates it's in effect only on Saturdays and Sundays.
So as I passed just east of Harrisburg, imagine my surprise when Harrisburg approach suddenly gave me vectors east "to avoid restricted airspace." I'm quite sure I was past the Fort Indiantown Gap area. The frequency was busy, and not wanting to sound like a total idiot by asking what the heck he was talking about, I just acknowledged and complied. After going maybe 10 miles to the east, I was allowed to proceed on course to York.
For those of you familiar with the area (Dan Mc, I think you're nearby?) what's the deal? I checked and rechecked the data, and didn't find anything I missed. Three mile island? It's not even noted on the sectional, although I believe it would have been about in my route of flight. In any event, I certainly wasn't intending to loiter over it. There's no blanket TFR about simply overflying a nuclear plant descending out of 8500, is there? I know you're not supposed to loiter or circle, but...what else could it have been?
I was "talking and squawking" all the way down. I obtained a DUATS briefing, checked for notams and TFRs, and finding none of consequence, proceeded on my merry way.
Now, I was aware of the restricted area near Fort Indiantown Gap, since the examiner asked me about it during my PP oral. However, the info on the sectional clearly indicates it's in effect only on Saturdays and Sundays.
So as I passed just east of Harrisburg, imagine my surprise when Harrisburg approach suddenly gave me vectors east "to avoid restricted airspace." I'm quite sure I was past the Fort Indiantown Gap area. The frequency was busy, and not wanting to sound like a total idiot by asking what the heck he was talking about, I just acknowledged and complied. After going maybe 10 miles to the east, I was allowed to proceed on course to York.
For those of you familiar with the area (Dan Mc, I think you're nearby?) what's the deal? I checked and rechecked the data, and didn't find anything I missed. Three mile island? It's not even noted on the sectional, although I believe it would have been about in my route of flight. In any event, I certainly wasn't intending to loiter over it. There's no blanket TFR about simply overflying a nuclear plant descending out of 8500, is there? I know you're not supposed to loiter or circle, but...what else could it have been?