Pilots asked to avoid nuclear power plants, dams, industrial complexes

The FAA has issued a notam advising pilots to steer clear of the airspace near "nuclear power plants, power plants, dams, refineries, industrial complexes, and other similar facilities." In the interest of national security, pilots are requested to not circle or loiter in the vicinity of such facilities.

Another notam now authorizes pipeline and powerline operators to conduct both VFR and IFR operations everywhere except in the New York and Washington, D.C., TFR (temporary flight restriction) areas, in the enhanced Boston Class B airspace, and over sporting-event open-air assemblies. A discrete transponder code issued by ATC is required.

Finally, production testing of aircraft weighing less than 95,000 pounds, including those with a foreign registry, is now authorized with some restrictions.

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