30NMR TFR at Crawford TX this Weekend

[flywithastick]

If you're flying in the central Texas area or are heading through to the Southwest Regional EAA Fly In this weekend, you better pay close attention to the Crawford TFR. It's been extended to 30 NM radius as of this afternoon through Monday.

BTW, 30NMR is well beyond the eastern edge of Waco.

See the following -

http://www.eaa.org/communications/e...xas.html#2/0060

If you're not IFR or on flight following, tune up guard/121.5 while near the TFR. It may prevent a misunderstanding, the resulting black eye on GA, a visit to the local jail and a violation.

Pass this on to folks you may think are headed to Abilene this weekend.

 

[ShawnC]

Let me get this straight, the threat level has been lower (from scary orange to mello yellow), but all the restrictions have increased in size? It doesn't add up.

 

[flywithastick]

Yep. Over 3700 square statute miles is an awful lot af space. I tried to get through it today, but ATC was too busy dealing with the violators to get me on flight following before I'd flown clear of the area east of the TFR.

I heard three people who were told to land and expect to meet the Scrt Svc. Heard one woman talking to an F-16 pilot on guard. She didn't sound too happy after figuring out the they were there for her.

The F-16 pilots must have called 3 or 4 different pilots while I was passing though the area listening. Told them "aircraft x-miles from xyz airport at 2000-ft, squawking 1200, turn heading 180 or you may be fired upon." I kind of have mixed feelings about this one.

Knowing pilots have to do proper preflight planning and checking NOTAMS, it just seems kind of poor that yet *another, different* NOTAM was issued at the last minute that took in 225% of the previous area. not to mention the national threat level was reduced recently. You think they could just set the radius at 10-15 nm *and leave it that way* - but I guess that would be too simple.

 

[shaun3000]

I flew to Waco back in August during Bush's extended vacation. There is a perminant prohibited area around his ranch, 5nm radius. They extended it to 10 nm when he was there. They "strongly encouraged" you to contact Waco approach when 30nm out. I did that jsut to be on the safe side and had no problem. I flew in and out of Wings for Christ (73F) and had no problems. I talked only to TSTC tower when doing that. When I left I called up TSTC tower, again, 73F is in teh middle of their D surface area. But no problems, other than that.

I wonder why they decided it needs to be 30 NM, now? Just weird.

(btw, in case you haven't noticed, I can't decide how I want to abbreviate 'nautical miles.' haha)

 

[EagleRJ]

The no-fly portion of the TFR is still 10 NMR, but there is now a 30 NMR ring where a flight plan, transponder code, and two way radio comm is required, as well as ingress and egress only- no transit.
ATC sure had their hands full with all the planes who were oblivious to the new rule. I heard one guy launch from Temple and head directly north. He was going to punch not only the 10 mile ring, but probably the permanent 5 NM ring too. Grey Approach wasn't letting anyone else talk as they tried to raise the guy on the radio. I didn't hear what ended up happening, but I'm sure the guy has a story to tell his family now!

 

[Jump Pilot]

I was monitoring guard all weekend while flying human meat missles. I heard at least 5 warnings from the Crawford area including at least three "you will be fired upon" warnings.

Kind of sends chill up your spine when you here that.

 

[ShawnC]

Can anyone confirm the many interseptions?

I want to write a piece about the useless of the many new security restrictions.

 

[Jump Pilot]

ShawnC:

From my recollection this past weekend, I heard two warnings on Saturday which one resulted in a "turn or we'll shoot" warning. Sunday was three total warnings and two "turn or we'll shoot" warnings.

You might give a call to the FTW Center PR department and see if they will give you any stats.

 

[flywithastick]

Waco (Gray) Apch was on the radio calling the GA planes and coordinating the interceptors. The woman I heard was doing an excellent job while pretty well overloaded.