Regional Affairs

USAF rules request near Phoenix raises concerns

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The U.S. Air Force is asking for a Special Flight Rules Area near Phoenix, but AOPA is objecting to the proposal on the grounds that it would unnecessarily complicate the already busy airspace in the region. The Air Force says the airspace ( http://download.aopa.org/epilot/2008/081015luke.jpg ) is needed because of numerous near-miss incidents involving civilian and military aircraft. But AOPA points out that the Air Force data to support its claims is old, with no information about near-midairs after 2000. In addition, the Air Force is placing the entire burden for solving the problem on general aviation, refusing to change any of its own procedures. Read more >>

October 17, 2008