[nj_pilot]

All noted. The tampa suicide showed just how little damage a light plane will do to a building. The fire following this crash was very dramatic on TV, but the net result (a fire that burned two appartments and killed four people in a motof vehicle accident) was unworthy of this sort of hype. He must have been loaded up with that spendy Teterboro gas :-)

We have a lot of freedoms in this country that when exposed to untutored prejudice seem shocking. But after reflecting on the true danger posed by these freedoms, one should rest easier. Light planes don't carry much, so they are not very well suited to terrorist purposes. Further, they are not easily accessable to the general public as are, oh, say, Ryder trucks. Politicians and media "personalities" like Det Deitl (Ret) who pander to the fearful and scapegoat small groups are not particularly admirable.

So, yes: you can fly in the VFR exclusions with a private pilot. If you get to NYC sometime, ping me. It will be a ride you'd remember forever.

Peace.

[Arkinsaw]

We have a lot of freedoms in this country that when exposed to untutored prejudice seem shocking.

I understand what you are saying. But no tutoring can make me think that it is wise to allow aircraft to "circle the Statue of Liberty" without rather significant restrictions. A small aircraft can do a lot of damage to the right target.

We definitely have people attempting to destroy symbolic targets, there is no debate on that and there are symbolic targets in Manhattan that we have to protect.

The reference was made to Ryder trucks, we shouldn't be allowing Ryder trucks unrestricted access to building basements or tunnels either.

We are in a war. In World War II if someone did not want their freedom restricted and insisted on keeping all of their lights on in a blackout...that is a foolish person.

Lots of people are yelling about restrictions on liberty at this moment or violations of civil rights....as if there were no 911......some have a point about some things....but there are necessary restrictions and life is not the same during wartime.