TFR over Martha’s Vineyard for president’s vacation
<BR cmid="Article:Two Deck"><SPAN class=twodeck cmid="Article:Two Deck">Security screening, gateway airports keep Martha’s Vineyard Airport open</SPAN>
Pilots planning to fly in the Martha’s Vineyard area from Aug. 23 through 30 should become familiar with the security restrictions in place for President Barack Obama’s vacation in the area.
While a 30-nautical-mile-radius temporary flight restriction (TFR) and 10-nm-radius no-fly zone will be in effect over Martha’s Vineyard Airport (MVY), the airport will be open to pilots flying in who have requested a waiver at least 72 hours before departure and undergone TSA screening at one of three gateway airports before arriving at Martha’s Vineyard. Those departing Martha’s Vineyard airport also will need to request a waiver at least 72 hours in advance and go through security screening at the airport.
“We’re pleased that several government agencies recognized that it wouldn’t be feasible to shut down all air traffic in that area for an extended period of time,” said Craig Spence, AOPA vice president of regulatory affairs. “However, AOPA still maintains that the presidential TFR is overly restrictive. AOPA had proposed a number of alternatives to keep the airspace open, including a smaller TFR and the gateway airport system.”
Pilots can register for a waiver on the FAA’s Web site. The gateway airports where pilots can complete TSA screenings are Westchester County Airport (HPN), Barnstable Municipal-Boardman/Polando Airport (HYA), and Green State Airport (PVD). TSA screening will be available at each location from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day.
If you request a waiver and complete the security screening to fly into Martha’s Vineyard Airport, please send us an e-mail about your experience and let us know how the TFR affected your flight. AOPA will share the information with the Obama administration.
