AOPA, ATC work to restore Tampa Class B 'bridge'
AOPA has been working directly with the Tampa Tracon to reestablish a procedure that allows pilots to fly through the Class B airspace and directly over Tampa International. The uncharted procedure, commonly known as "The Bridge," should be fully available to pilots in about two weeks. Pilots flying from Vandenberg to St. Petersburg-Clearwater International or Albert Whitted typically use this procedure to fly directly through the area and save time. While the procedure has been in place for more than 30 years and has an impeccable safety record, the internal process air traffic controllers used to direct pilots was not approved. While the ATC process is being refined, AOPA is working to make sure members do not experience a reduction in service.
September 29, 2006
