TFR violations continue

The March 29 intercept of an aircraft that violated the TFR over Palm Beach, Florida, reported by the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), was resolved after fighter aircraft dispensed flares to get the pilot's attention. The flares burn out in the air and pose no danger to people or property on the ground, NORAD noted. Unfortunately, TFR incursions do damage the reputation of the GA community with wide-ranging impacts.

"This doesn't help our cause," said AOPA Director of Regulatory Affairs Jim McClay, who has worked with the military and the FAA for years to raise awareness and reduce the frequency of TFR incursions, which remains stubbornly persistent. The airspace closures impact flight schools, shops, and other aviation businesses. AOPA has been able to negotiate some minor mitigations in years past, though there is little hope of more as long as pilots routinely ignore notams or fail to consult other tools intended to raise TFR awareness, such as the FAA's graphic TFR search tool or TFR map overlays in electronic flight bag apps. "In fact, it really cuts the legs out from under us in trying to secure TFR reforms when we have these routine violations."

With the changing season, a TFR protecting President Donald Trump's golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, will likely be activated more frequently. Federal government and military officials will, as they have in recent years, conduct a virtual conference on the topic April 9 at 10 a.m. Eastern time. Designed to give pilots, airport organizations, and businesses advance notice of the expected activations of the Bedminster TFR, the two-hour event will be held online via Microsoft Teams, and open to anyone who wishes to watch. Requests to participate in the meeting chat may be submitted in advance.