The FAA has published a notice to airmen that will affect flights in the area of the Washington, D.C. Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA) and Flight Restricted Zone (FRZ) on Jan. 20 in connection with the 2015 State of the Union address.
According to notam FDC 5/3168, a temporary flight restriction (TFR) will be in effect from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. local time on Jan. 20, centered on the Washington VOR/DME and extending to a radius of 30 nautical miles, from the surface to but not including 18,000 feet msl. The TFR will affect operations at 16 airports.
All flight within the DC SFRA will be prohibited during the TFR’s active period except as specifically provided in the TFR.
AOPA reminds pilots that TFR airspace can change frequently, and strongly encourages pilots to obtain a briefing before every flight.
Prior to operating in the area, pilots are advised to check notams frequently for possible changes to restrictions including access requirements for flights using airports within the airspace; prohibitions on IFR and VFR flights transiting the airspace; the suspension of egress procedures for several area airports; the suspension of VFR traffic pattern operations at airports within the SFRA; and other prohibited operations.
The FAA strongly advises pilots to contact a flight service station (800/WX-BRIEF) before a flight to check for all current notams.
