National security officials to meet again this morning

AOPA Online ^

[NY.SS-Bar9]

National security officials to meet again this morning
VFR flight still not allowed

9/18/01 9:04:47 AM — VFR flight is still prohibited everywhere in the U.S. except Alaska. Another meeting of national security officials is scheduled for later this morning. AOPA is providing FAA with additional information about general aviation and the impact of the VFR ban, which FAA will present to the national security officials. AOPA will update this Web site as soon as we learn the results of the meeting.

To recap, general aviation VFR flight is not permitted except in Alaska. IFR is permitted with restrictions (see story below). Part 137 agricultural operations are permitted, except in Class B airspace.

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Still awaiting decision on VFR flight ops

Monday, September 17, 2001 7:40:33 PM — As of Monday evening, there is still no decision from the federal government about the resumption of VFR flight operations. VFR flights remain grounded. General aviation Part 91 IFR operations are permitted with restrictions (see story below).

AOPA will remain in communication with the top levels of the FAA throughout the night. Any changes will be posted on the website.

Early this evening, AOPA President Phil Boyer spoke with two senior FAA managers about the meeting held this afternoon to discuss the phase-in of additional classes of users to the National Airspace System. Those discussions specifically included VFR operations. Unfortunately for the majority of America's pilots waiting on the ability to fly under visual flight rules, no firm decision was made.

This meeting did consider the work produced during a weekend meeting between FAA Air Traffic personnel, AOPA managers, and Department of Defense officials. Boyer was told that high-level, non-FAA government officials were briefed on this work and were also briefed on some last-minute suggestions that AOPA sent to FAA early this afternoon prior to the meeting. Due to the national security issues involved, FAA finds itself explaining general aviation and educating those not as familiar with GA about its important role in personal and business transportation, about the critical financial impact on flight training operators, and about the other economic business needs served by GA. In addition, there continues to be the "legitimate protection needs" concerning some locations at risk during this uncertain time.

AOPA will be providing FAA with additional information about the general aviation VFR market early Tuesday morning in advance of another meeting mid-day between FAA and other government bodies.

AOPA Online will also continue to update members and pilots on this situation as we receive feedback from Tuesday's meeting.

Boyer, in attempting to manage pilot expectations, stated, "One thing is clearly evident from my discussions with FAA management and what little of the national security concerns they can publicly share: the return of VFR privileges will almost certainly be implemented in stages.”

Meanwhile, AOPA this afternoon expressed concern to FAA air traffic officials about inaccurate information some pilots are receiving from a few flight service stations. For example, one FSS told an AOPA member that he should “take your airplane apart because VFR will be permanently prohibited.” Another FSS told a pilot that all VFR flights would have to be on a flight plan. None of this information is official or accurate. AOPA asked FAA headquarters to ensure that all communications to pilots consist of official information, not rumors or speculation.

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DOT forms “Rapid Response Teams” on airport, aircraft security
AOPA tells DOT system is not “restored” until VFR flights permitted

Sept 17 — The Department of Transportation yesterday created two “Rapid Response Teams” to deliver detailed recommendations for improving security on airliners and at the major, airline-served airports. The two teams are scheduled to report back to Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta by October 1.

“These teams appear to be working solely on commercial airline passenger and airport issues,” said AOPA President Phil Boyer. “AOPA is focusing right now on getting VFR flights back in the air. Our efforts are better spent there than sitting on airline-related committees.

“However, if the response teams’ mandate expands beyond airline issues, we’ve asked Secretary Mineta to add representatives from the general aviation community.” (See AOPA’s letter to Mineta.)

AOPA also asked DOT to be more specific in its statements to the press. While DOT has said that the national air system had been “successfully restored,” AOPA told the Secretary, “Until VFR operations are restored, we obviously do not consider the system ‘successfully restored.’ The unexpected effect of these statements is national news media representations to that effect, leading some pilots to undertake VFR operations.” (VFR operations are still prohibited. Part 91 IFR operations are permitted with some restrictions.)

The Rapid Response Team on airport security will include Southwest Airline’s chairman Herb Kelleher, former U.S. Customs commissioner Raymond Kelly, and the president of the American Association of Airport Executives Charles Barclay. The team focusing on airliner security includes American Airlines vice chairman Robert W. Baker, former Boeing official Robert A. Davis, Air Line Pilots Association president Capt. Duane Woerth, and Patricia Friend, international president of the Association of Flight Attendants.

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VFR operations still prohibited, IFR OK with restrictions

UPDATE: 9/17/01 2:11:29 PM — On Monday morning, VFR operations are still prohibited in the United States, with the exception of Alaska. General aviation (Part 91) IFR operations are permitted with restrictions. All flight plans must be from airport to airport. Clearances must be obtained on the ground. No air-files will be permitted, and cancellations must be made on the ground. Pilots should monitor the emergency frequency (121.5 MHz) and review intercept procedures. Pilots must review the latest notams.

"AOPA is in contact with federal authorities on all levels. They are telling us that there are still may be threats to our national security. And decisions about restoring VFR flight will be made ultimately at the highest levels of government, including the National Security Council," said AOPA President Phil Boyer.

"We know from phone calls and e-mails that many members remain stranded away from their families and businesses. We understand that flight schools and other aviation businesses are at risk of failure right now. AOPA has made sure that federal decision-makers understand these ramifications."

An AOPA team met with FAA and Department of Defense officials this weekend to draft a plan to restore VFR operations. That plan is being revised today, and will be presented to the top levels of the federal government late this afternoon. However, there is no guarantee that there will be a decision on VFR flight today.

In the meantime, it is absolutely imperative that general aviation pilots strictly adhere to all restrictions. Over this weekend, there were instances across the country where pilots ignored the notams and took off VFR. F-16 fighter jets intercepted these non-authorized flights and forced them to land. [Review intercept procedures.] And AOPA just received this report from a member:

"While flying to [Batavia] (I69) from Fairfield County, a short 35 min flight, I heard of two aircraft busting the regs flying VFR with transponders turned off. ATC was trying to track them and solicited help from nearby pilots to ID them. I hope incidents like these do not undo all of AOPA's hard work just to get GA IFR pilots back in the air."

AOPA President Boyer said, "National security officials are paying close attention to how general aviation behaves. IFR pilots must follow the rules exactly. VFR pilots must remain on the ground.

"If we want a full return to all flying privileges, pilots can't screw up now."

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[NY.SS-Bar9]

The GA community is really hurting. Flight schools, instructors, FBO's all basically shut down.

[OzarkRepub]

It's time to open VFR ops. I really don't see the logic of keeping VFR grounded. Sure, a C172 loaded to gross weight with explosives would cause damage if crashed into something, but nothing like what we've been shown a fully fuelled B757 can do. Did the FEDS impound ALL Rider trucks after McVey & Co. blew up the Murrah building? NO! I think the FEDS should focus on keeping known terrorists out of the country in the first place.

[teletech]

As a private pilot, I totally support this action. I know FBO's are hurting and maybe dual only flight instruction could be allowed. I'm sure the ban won't last much longer. In the meantime, these FBO'S can fly IFR under the restrictions.