vja217
Richmond, VA
- Joined
- Dec 1, 2001
- Posts
- 65
Just wanted to pass along a bulletin we got over e-mail tonight, FYI. Fly safe!
==> ATTENTION PILOTS <==
TERRORIST THREAT ASSESSMENT RAISED TO 'HIGH' RISK;
TSA EXPLAINS TO AOPA NEED FOR INCREASED VIGILANCE
AOPA is sending you this bulletin to tell you how today's elevated
terrorist threat assessment is affecting general aviation aircraft
operations. In a special phone conversation late this afternoon with
Admiral James M. Loy--director of the Transportation Security
Administration (TSA)--and his top deputies, AOPA President Phil Boyer
learned that pilots are being asked to exercise extreme vigilance and
cooperation as an alternative to new security procedures and airspace
restrictions. The call was in response to this afternoon's announcement
by U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft and Office of Homeland Security
chief Tom Ridge that the federal government had raised the terrorist
alert level for the first time to code orange, meaning a "high" danger
of attack. That level requires government agencies to increase their
security efforts.
"Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta advised the transportation
community, 'do not be alarmed, but be alert,'" said Boyer. Because
transportation modes are known to be favorite terrorist targets, pilots
must be vigilant. Pilots should expect increased local law enforcement
surveillance at general aviation airports during this time of
heightened vigilance. Pilots are asked to watch for anything unusual
or suspicious at the airport. Report any such activity to local law
enforcement. Secure your aircraft before walking away from it.
Because of the heightened state of alert, incursions into restricted
airspace can be expected to bring rapid and perhaps harsh response by
the authorities. TSA emphasized that there is an "enormous seriousness"
to the temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) and pilots must be careful
to strictly adhere to all ATC procedures. For the first time,
Washington, D.C., has been ringed with live antiaircraft weapons.
Pilots are reminded of the TFRs surrounding tomorrow's 9/11 anniversary
ceremonies in Washington, D.C., New York City, and Pennsylvania. In the
Washington, D.C., area, Potomac and College Park airports will be
totally closed during the time of the ceremonies. However, AOPA staff
has learned that this restriction may be extended through Thursday.
The TSA is also revoking the waivers from Notam 3353 that prohibits GA
operations within 3 miles and 3,000 feet of sporting events (stadiums)
and open-air assemblies. This effectively eliminates banner-towing
operations at these sites.
While the greatest current threat appears to be to U.S. embassies,
military bases, and other interests overseas, intelligence officials
also fear that low-level al Qaeda operatives might attempt small-scale
attacks in the United States. Based on information from a suspected al
Qaeda operative, and corroborated using other intelligence assets, the
government believes U.S. assets in Southeast Asia are especially at
risk. However, because the information may be incomplete, and because
communications among terrorists a year ago followed a similar pattern
and also indicated overseas targets, President Bush decided to raise
the threat level assessment at home as well.
AOPA strongly encourages all pilots to obtain a full briefing,
including the latest notams, before any flight. Report any suspicious
activity around your airport to local law-enforcement agencies. Check
AOPA Online ( http://www.aopa.org ) for any updates to the security
situation as it affects general aviation.
==> ATTENTION PILOTS <==
TERRORIST THREAT ASSESSMENT RAISED TO 'HIGH' RISK;
TSA EXPLAINS TO AOPA NEED FOR INCREASED VIGILANCE
AOPA is sending you this bulletin to tell you how today's elevated
terrorist threat assessment is affecting general aviation aircraft
operations. In a special phone conversation late this afternoon with
Admiral James M. Loy--director of the Transportation Security
Administration (TSA)--and his top deputies, AOPA President Phil Boyer
learned that pilots are being asked to exercise extreme vigilance and
cooperation as an alternative to new security procedures and airspace
restrictions. The call was in response to this afternoon's announcement
by U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft and Office of Homeland Security
chief Tom Ridge that the federal government had raised the terrorist
alert level for the first time to code orange, meaning a "high" danger
of attack. That level requires government agencies to increase their
security efforts.
"Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta advised the transportation
community, 'do not be alarmed, but be alert,'" said Boyer. Because
transportation modes are known to be favorite terrorist targets, pilots
must be vigilant. Pilots should expect increased local law enforcement
surveillance at general aviation airports during this time of
heightened vigilance. Pilots are asked to watch for anything unusual
or suspicious at the airport. Report any such activity to local law
enforcement. Secure your aircraft before walking away from it.
Because of the heightened state of alert, incursions into restricted
airspace can be expected to bring rapid and perhaps harsh response by
the authorities. TSA emphasized that there is an "enormous seriousness"
to the temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) and pilots must be careful
to strictly adhere to all ATC procedures. For the first time,
Washington, D.C., has been ringed with live antiaircraft weapons.
Pilots are reminded of the TFRs surrounding tomorrow's 9/11 anniversary
ceremonies in Washington, D.C., New York City, and Pennsylvania. In the
Washington, D.C., area, Potomac and College Park airports will be
totally closed during the time of the ceremonies. However, AOPA staff
has learned that this restriction may be extended through Thursday.
The TSA is also revoking the waivers from Notam 3353 that prohibits GA
operations within 3 miles and 3,000 feet of sporting events (stadiums)
and open-air assemblies. This effectively eliminates banner-towing
operations at these sites.
While the greatest current threat appears to be to U.S. embassies,
military bases, and other interests overseas, intelligence officials
also fear that low-level al Qaeda operatives might attempt small-scale
attacks in the United States. Based on information from a suspected al
Qaeda operative, and corroborated using other intelligence assets, the
government believes U.S. assets in Southeast Asia are especially at
risk. However, because the information may be incomplete, and because
communications among terrorists a year ago followed a similar pattern
and also indicated overseas targets, President Bush decided to raise
the threat level assessment at home as well.
AOPA strongly encourages all pilots to obtain a full briefing,
including the latest notams, before any flight. Report any suspicious
activity around your airport to local law-enforcement agencies. Check
AOPA Online ( http://www.aopa.org ) for any updates to the security
situation as it affects general aviation.
