Flying up Chicago Coastline

[Billy Madison]

I haven't flown GA much since 9/11, are there any security restrictions to flying up the Lake Michigan shoreline near Chicago? Hazards such as sporting events, flying near skyscrapers, etc?
Thanks,
Billy

 

[DrProc]

There are these things called TFR's...they can pop up at a moments notice. Call the FSS (1-800-WX-BRIEF) and get a briefing. Don't depend on info from FI.com...

 

[RipCurl]

Don't depend on flight service to keep you clear of sporting event TFRs. I instructed in Chicago for 2 years - FSS had no idea when the games were - they would tell us to remember to check the paper. We had the schedules printed out and taped to our dispatch desk. Approach didn't even know when the games were. I heard a guy ask about it on the radio; the controller told him to call FSS and ask. You can about guess how the rest of that went. Just go look up the Cubs and White Sox schedules on line to check for home games. The TFRs run from an hour before to an hour after the games. Other times of year you have to watch out for the Taste of Chicago, the Bears and the Northwestern football games. If you are planning on going soon, just make sure there are no baseball games, get a regular briefing, and you should be good to go to cruise up the lakeshore. The standard 2000' radius applies around buildings, thankfully there's no permanent downtown TFR (yet). Stay out of the bravo and for crap's sake don't do anything stupid or Daley will turn the rest of the airports in Chicago into parks for his mom. Oh, and there's lots of people cruising that little strip of sky, so keep your eyes outside and enjoy the view!

 

[Billy Madison]

Don't depend on flight service to keep you clear of sporting event TFRs. I instructed in Chicago for 2 years - FSS had no idea when the games were - they would tell us to remember to check the paper. We had the schedules printed out and taped to our dispatch desk. Approach didn't even know when the games were. I heard a guy ask about it on the radio; the controller told him to call FSS and ask. You can about guess how the rest of that went. Just go look up the Cubs and White Sox schedules on line to check for home games. The TFRs run from an hour before to an hour after the games. Other times of year you have to watch out for the Taste of Chicago, the Bears and the Northwestern football games. If you are planning on going soon, just make sure there are no baseball games, get a regular briefing, and you should be good to go to cruise up the lakeshore. The standard 2000' radius applies around buildings, thankfully there's no permanent downtown TFR (yet). Stay out of the bravo and for crap's sake don't do anything stupid or Daley will turn the rest of the airports in Chicago into parks for his mom. Oh, and there's lots of people cruising that little strip of sky, so keep your eyes outside and enjoy the view!

Thanks for the constructive response. Exactly what I was looking for.
Billy M.

 

[ALIMBO]

Did it today don't think you need to be super close to the skyline to see the city you would be surprised how far out you can go and still get a good view. Fly safe!

 

[UndauntedFlyer]

I haven't flown GA much since 9/11, are there any security restrictions to flying up the Lake Michigan shoreline near Chicago? Hazards such as sporting events, flying near skyscrapers, etc?
Thanks,
Billy

When I fly the Chicago/Lake Michigan coast line I just assume there is a Cubs or Soxs game, or in the Fall a Bears game, and stay far enough off shore. I also try to use the Chicago approach/departure control frequencies shown on the VFR charts and have had complete cooperation from them. There is lots of traffic going up and down the coast in that area and it's mostly all compressed into just a few thousand feet so by receiving radar advisories that greatly enhances safety and does provide a sense of security protection. And since CGX is gone there is really a greater continuity when receiving the radar services.