Regional Affairs

FAA keeps Beale Air Force Base TFRs for now, seeks options

The frequent temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) over Beale Air Force Base near Marysville, Calif., won't be going away for a while, the FAA wrote in response to AOPA's request to eliminate the restrictions. However, the FAA said it is exploring alternative safety measures to eliminate TFRs. The 10-nautical-mile-radius TFRs, usually in effect for short periods of time two days a week, are used to separate aircraft from the military's unmanned aerial vehicle operations. "AOPA won't give up on getting these TFRs eliminated," said Heidi Williams, AOPA director of air traffic services. "This issue underscores the need for the FAA to develop regulations for UAVs so that TFRs will not be necessary for their operation."

September 14, 2007