NASA reschedules shuttle mission for tonight

NASA will try again tonight to launch the shuttle at Cape Canaveral, Florida, following last night's scrub due to weather. Weather forecasters are not optimistic about tonight's chances for launch.

The FAA is imposing temporary flight restrictions for the launch, effective 1300 (local) to 2100 (local). The notam establishes a 30-nm-radius TFR "no fly" zone around the launch pad from the surface to FL180, with a less restrictive area between 30 and 40 nm. However, the big change for this launch is that now operations within the 30-40 nm segment will only be permitted for the purposes of takeoff or landing, and only with a prior ATC clearance and a transponder code. Pilots must also maintain continuous radio communications while operating within TFR airspace. These restrictions will impact operations at 10 public-use airports, including New Smyrna Beach (EVB), Massey (X50), Sanford (SFB), Orlando Executive (ORL), Daytona Beach International (DAB), Merritt Island (COI), Space Coast Regional (TIX), Dunn (X21), Orlando International (MCO), and Melbourne International (MLB).

Within the 30-nm "no-fly" ring, as for previous launches, no Part 91 general aviation and no VFR operations are permitted.

In addition, the FAA has issued a notam activating the restricted and warning areas normally associated with shuttle launches from 1606 (local) through 2037 (local). All flight operations within the restricted and warning areas are prohibited from the surface to unlimited altitude.

Pilots are advised to contact St. Petersburg Flight Service Station prior to conducting flights in proximity to these TFRs.

02-2-162x