Presidential TFRs grow larger

The temporary flight restriction (TFR) that follows President Bush as he travels has grown more than 40 times (by airspace volume) its previous size. This past week, pilots in Jacksonville, Florida, were impacted by a 10-nm-radius TFR during the President's visit. The FAA has issued a notam to implement another 10-nm-radius TFR over Marietta, Georgia, for the President's visit today.

Although pilots have been accustomed to the typical 3 nm and 3,000 feet agl restrictions that follow the President as he travels, the larger 10 nm and 10,000 feet agl restrictions are quickly becoming the new standard. The FAA told AOPA that each flight restriction is evaluated on a case-by-case basis, but pilots should expect to see these larger presidential TFRs popping up around the country.

"While pilots must always check notams prior to every flight, it is doubly important to review the notams if the flight is going to pass anywhere close to the President," said Melissa Bailey, AOPA vice president of air traffic. "The general aviation community cannot afford any incursions into one of these TFRs."

03-1-083x