The London 2012 Olympics will draw a worldwide audience, and general aviation pilots will need to pay close attention to the airspace—whether or not they plan to attend. Temporary flight restrictions and control areas have been created for the games, and will be activated July 14 through Aug. 15, limiting aviation access to London and the surrounding area.
Government aviation officials have created a website that details security restrictions, including charts depicting the large restricted zone that will encompass several airports. Flights to and from airports at the outer edge of the restricted zone will be allowed, provided that pilots follow established routes. A smaller prohibited zone, which encompasses Heathrow and London City RAF Northholt, along with three smaller airports, will be activated at the same time. VFR and IFR operations will be allowed, with restrictions including specified flight routes and flight plans. Passenger, crew, and baggage screening requirements will be in place for operations within the prohibited zone.
A set of smaller restricted zones will be established from Aug. 16 to Sept. 12 for the Paralympic games.