In a notam issued late Thursday night that went into effect immediately, the FAA began allowing some general aviation operations within an 18- to 25-nautical-mile radius of the DCA and JFK VORs. That effectively reduces the size of the Washington and New York "no fly" zones. Changes were also made to the airspace and airports in the Boston area. There, the FAA increased restrictions on Part 91 IFR operations, while allowing a resumption of certain flight training operations.
Washington, D.C., and New York City
The notam continues to prohibit Part 91 general aviation operations within 18 nm of the DCA or JFK VORs, surface to infinity, but allows certain Part 91 operations within the 18- to 25-nm radius of these VORs under the following restrictions:
- All operations must be IFR except for flight training.
- IFR flight plans are required to be filed at least one hour before proposed departure time.
- When departing a nontowered airport, an ATC clearance and release time are required prior to departure.
- VFR flight training is approved for single-engine non-turbojet-powered and rotor-driven piston-powered aircraft with a maximum certificated takeoff gross weight of 4,000 pounds or less.
The notam allows Part 91 operations in the Teterboro and Republic Class D airspace areas of New York City as if the airspace were in the 18- to 25-nm areas (i.e., Part 91 IFR and VFR flight training in single-engine piston aircraft under 4,000 pounds).
Boston
No Part 91 operations are allowed within 15 nm of the BOS Vortac from surface to infinity, except for the purpose of IFR arrival/departure at Boston (BOS) airport.
Some general aviation operations are permitted outside a 15-nm radius of the BOS Vortac to the extreme lateral limits of the enhanced Class B airspace. This includes the Beverly, Bedford, and Norwood Memorial Class D airspace. Part 91 general aviation operations are subject to the following restrictions:
- All operations must be IFR except for flight training.
- IFR flight plans are required to be filed at least one hour before proposed departure time.
- When departing a nontowered airport, an ATC clearance and a release time are required prior to departure.
- VFR flight training is approved for single-engine non-turbojet-powered and rotor-driven piston-powered aircraft with a maximum certificated takeoff gross weight of 4,000 pounds or less.
Because of the changing nature of the FAA's airspace regulations, members are advised to continually check the AOPA Web site and notams for updates.
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