IFR Fix: Are you ready (to fly in) for some football?
The top two National Football League teams won’t be the only organizations with a game-on mindset when Super Bowl 54 kicks off on February 2 at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium. Air traffic control has also been in training for the big event, and its “prevent defense” will be in motion long before the coin toss takes place down on the field.
The Super Bowl is a big-deal destination for general aviation flights—and it takes a team effort quarterbacked by the FAA with plays run by well-briefed pilots to keep penalty flags from flying in the airspace.
The summary recognized high FAA traffic program compliance and “good community outreach,” along with Atlanta Center’s “well planned route structure and implementation” during the period. AOPA reported on Super Bowl security planning and training and worked to inform drone operators of restrictions.
With the game a month away, it’s not too early for any manned-aircraft pilot planning to file to a Miami-area airport to scout out basic strategies such as a preferred route.
Guidance on researching airspace restrictions, routings, reservation programs, and airport information is now online. Note the list of airports for which special traffic procedures will be in effect. And while it might be tempting for local pilots to want to take some IFR training amid the hubbub of a big event, consider such flights “highly discouraged” within 60 nautical miles of Miami International Airport, with practice approaches among the activities that may be “limited or suspended.”
On the other hand, pilots arriving for the game will find added flexibility for selecting a destination: The National Weather Service announced it will provide terminal aerodrome forecasts (TAFs) for Boca Raton Airport, Pompano Beach Airpark, and North Perry Airport from 1200Z on January 28 to 0000Z on February 4. You can check airspace status online.
As has become customary, the Super Bowl will be a National Security Special Event—meaning that it is a no-drone zone. Additional unmanned aircraft restrictions will be in place before, during, and after the Super Bowl.
Knowing the procedures, checking notices to airmen frequently, and flying sharp will help the aviation team keep the ball moving while leaving the interceptions and the fumbles on the field where they belong.
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