FAA allows some operations between 'DC-3' airports

Life has gotten somewhat better for pilots at three general aviation airports in the Washington, D.C., area. The FAA issued a revised notam permitting based pilots with the proper security clearances to fly between College Park Airport (CGS), Potomac Airfield (VKX), and Washington Executive/Hyde Field (W32). Previously, based aircraft could only fly to and from their home airports in the Washington special flight rules area.

In October, AOPA petitioned the FAA to allow vetted based pilots to operate between the three D.C.-area airports, to allow air traffic pattern work and to restore transient operations within the Washington, D.C., special flight rules area.

"While we are pleased the FAA has positively responded to one of our requests, it is imperative that transient operations also be restored if the economic viability of these impacted airports is to be reestablished," said Andy Cebula, senior vice president of government and technical affairs. "It's clear that unless transient operations are restored, the 'DC-3' airports cannot survive."

02-4-129x