The FAA responded immediately to AOPA's demand that the agency rescind the temporary flight restriction (TFR) area over downtown Chicago. Less than 24 hours after AOPA's letter to FAA Administrator Jane Garvey, FAA Deputy Administrator Monte Belger called AOPA President Phil Boyer and said the restrictions over the city will be lifted "late this week or early next week." Belger said that the FAA is not planning on continuing the Chicago TFR indefinitely.
The city of Chicago had exerted pressure on the FAA for the TFR because it claimed citizens were fearful of a "threat" from general aviation aircraft to downtown buildings. But FAA officials have acknowledged that there is no credible aviation threat to Chicago buildings or landmarks.
"The FAA must maintain control of the nation's airspace and not abdicate responsibility to local authorities," said Boyer. "Keeping this TFR in force when there is no threat would set a troubling and unacceptable precedent."
02-2-012x
Related Articles
