TFR Heads Up

[FalconPilot69]

According to some feds that I spoke to, when the president and whoever the democrats put up against him are traveling, including driving around a state, there will be a 30 nm TFR that moves with them from ground level to FL180. This will especially be a pain in the arse for us in Texas since when he is in Crawford his 3 mile TFR goes to 30nm, and he plans on doing heavy campaigning here. For those that don't know, if you violate the TFR's, you get an automatic 60 day vacation. You do not get to pass go, just straight vacation time. The Fort Worth FSDO is violating around 30 to 40 pilots a week for busting the one in Crawford.

 

[Big Duke Six]

Just file!

The easy way around it is to file IFR. If you're just going up for pleasure, ask for flight following. In addition to risking a violation, you'll also most likely get a good up-close view of a fighter with a hot nose. Don't mess with it!

 

[Pez D. Spencer]

I agree with Big Duke, file IFR -- just easier. Remember, if you get VFR flight following, it DOES NOT make you immune to punitive action for violating a TFR, even if vectored through the restriction. Best solution -- get a briefing with notams before every flight (or day -- the FSDO's I've dealt with have always included upcoming TFR's for "later in the day" - but, they don't have to, unless you ask).

 

[2000flyer]

The tough part is the rolling TFR's during a motorcade. Just ask the poor powerline pilot in the NE. Just out doing his job and his timing across the interestate couldn't have been worse. Right over the top of the motorcade. Yep...vacation time!

Seems like everytime I go through TX, listening to guard, I hear some poor soul being vectored to Waco for a little chat. Get the briefing, get out your chart and draw a big red circle. Better yet, AOPA now has a flight planner for light aircraft that you can download (must be an AOPA member). it will plot your route and show all current TFRs along that route. Great planning tool!

2000Flyer

 

[FalconPilot69]

I should have mentioned.....

I should have mentioned that I knew about the flight plan issue. More of just a heads up to the weekend warrior who goes out to his uncontrolled stip to go do some touch and goes to stay current. I don't know of too many pilots who file flight plans for pattern work.

 

[taloft]

Filing IFR is nice as is VFR flight following.

Or you could obtain this information in a preflight briefing...

 

[Big Duke Six]

Thank you!

Pez,
Good catch on my post there - you're right, I just meant that with flight following at least a pilot would be directly in touch with the appropriate controller at the time he was trying to skirt the TFR. I would think they would be the best source available for trying to avoid a rolling TFR. Of course, never count on them for anything, but it is another resource.