Please Tell Me WHY!?!

[bugchaser]

Will someone please tell me why we keep having pilots bust into the P-49 TFR? Before anyone starts in with the arguing about how silly these restrictions are, I agree with that. However misguided and silly the rules may be, we still have to follow them. If this continues how long will it be before more stringent rules are put into place? How can AOPA or anyone else stand in front of the powers that be and argue against these restrictions if we continue to show how stupid general aviation pilots can be? Personally, I think that anyone caught busting this TFR should have his license pulled, forever. I frequently travel to my hometown and P-49 lies right on the route. Everytime I make the trip and G.B. is home, someone can be heard busting the TFR. What am I missing? It seems pretty simple to me, 1. get a briefing, 2. file a flight plan, 3. pay attention and monitor the proper freq. There is simply no excuse whatsoever for this kind of mistake. Today apparently several Nebraska football fans got a friendly escort. Maybe being from Nebraska would be a valid excuse. Seriously, please everyone pay attention before we all pay for the mistakes of a few idiots.

 

[Bai B Nai]

Here, Here!
Did you see the idiot who flew down the Hudson river and then AROUND the Statue of Liberty! His comments were something to the effect of "I got really scared when the police helicopter approached me. I'm really embarrassed."

Lord, I'd like to see how Phil Boyer is going to explain this one to the aviation subcomittee the next time he pleads to Congress for them to relax the rules GA must submit to.

 

[dogg]

Bugchaser, go to a part of the country that you have never been in and when you drill a TFR ask your self the same question.........

 

[Toy Soldier]

I can see where it would be REAL easy to bust a TFR without a moving map display. Both aircraft I fly have $40,000 stacks of GPS equipment (for surveying) and they make life "more-better-easier".

I can squeak between TFR's, controlled airspace, MOA's, etc, with no problem. Although I am ALWAYS getting advisories and have pre-coordinated communications before I attempt such feats.

But, with only a sections, flying solo in an area that you aren't familiar with the landmarks - watch out...

 

[Timebuilder]

First, be aware when the TRF is issued that expands this area. Both AOPA and my local FSDO safety manager send me emails about the upcoming change in size.

If you have no moving map, at the least you should be in ATC contact to get a heads up to help you. It is still your responsibility, but any help is good help. Take that sectional and draw the enlarged TFR area. Then put another ring around it, and treat THAT area as the limit, using as many extra miles as you think it will take to get the job done. The EMI and several other VORs are nearby, and you can plot some radials to help you define the limits of the ring you have drawn. Use your VFR chart features, just like you did on your PPL cross countries: water, rivers, towers, major highways, etc. Get a full briefing, and ask specifically about the prohibited areas and any special actions you are reguired to take as the PIC.

It isn't that hard, no matter where you are from. A washington sectional isn't impossible to come by, and can save yourself a world of hurt.

And it makes all of us look a whole lot better to an already skeptical public.

 

[bugchaser]

Thank you. All I am saying is that like it or not we have to stay out of these areas. The easiest way is to always file IFR when operating anywhere near these areas. Always getting a briefing and having current charts is another way to avoid the areas. Bottom line is that if you cannot manage staying out of a TFR, then you should seriously consider hanging it up as a pilot. If a simple ag pilot like myself can stay out, then anyone should be able to. Either do it right or stay on the ground.

 

[sky37d]

I used to fly into SFM quite regularly, and that is about 10 mi from P-67. I was always nervous about getting to close to it, especially when G Sr was home. It would seem to me that as part of your pre-flight, you look for TFR's, P-, and all kinds of crap, and don't get close to anything that will get you busted.


David Wartofsky runs Potomac Airfield VKX, and he publishes a newsletter. Anyway, in the latest newsletter, he wrote about a guy who was flying his Maule one day, and busted the DC ADIZ. Blackhawks escorted him to Potomac, and David explained the situation he was in by offering him $5.00 for his "late model, well equiped Maule".