New restrictions for flying over capital
July 2, 2010, 08:42 pm
Pilots who fly around the nation's capital should take note of new restrictions announced by the Federal Aviation Administration.
All aircraft must have two-way radios that can pick up the appropriate frequencies in order to fly in the Special Flight Rules Area. The space consists of a 30-mile radius outside of the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
Effective in September, fewer pilots will have to squawk 7600 (radio failure) on their transponders if they lose contact with controllers after leaving an airport located within the Special Flight Rules Area.
"This means pilots might not have to fly longer distances to airports outside the Special Flight Rules Area," says the FAA. "Pilots who lose radio contact after departing from an airport located within the Flight Restricted Zone may return to that airport if it is within five nautical miles. If neither condition applies, pilots must leave the Special Flight Rules Area by the most direct route."
There are numerous other restrictions that pilots need to keep in mind before taking off. Being prepared will avoid confusion or potentially dangerous situations that could be avoided.
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