Kentmorr restaurant at Kentmorr Airpark, MD (3W3) has reopened. Their website (https://atlaskentmorr.com/) as of today (5/4/23) says they're opening soon, but their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/kentmorrrestaurant/) says they've reopened.
They did a bunch of drainage work. Of course, make sure it's open before flying in. If things get too soggy, a NOTAM will say it's closed to transients. However, that should happen less now.
Yep, make sure you do the SFRA briefing if you plan on coming within 60 miles of the DCA VOR. See https://www.faasafety.gov/gslac/ALC/courseLanding.aspx?cID=405
Gotcha. The surface used to be a bit lumpy. Never an issue for my 182 but I recall a Cirrus pranging a nose wheel 10 to so years ago. That would not be my first choice of aircraft to use at 3W3.
On an SFRA flight plan, you file a "gate" as your point of entry/egress so the controllers have a general idea of where to look when you're coming or going and so they can assign appropriate sector frequencies for you to talk to.
PALEO is just a fix on an airway. It’s designated within the context of the DC SFRA as a reference point for people arriving from the north east, specifically on the DCA 045 through 120 VOR radials, thus the term “gate”. It’s really so ATC knows generally where to look for you without you having to give a detailed position report.
Ah, gotcha. It's been many years since I flew anywhere near DC airspace. Back then it was still a TCA.
The TCA became Class B airspace. The SFRA is a TFR, but not temporary. Special rules and procedures to fly in it, and training required within 60 NM.
