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A PLEASANT SURPRISE
I was totally surprised after the recent visit to my state
by Air Force One. It seems that President Bush had a speech to
give. My biggest concern was that ‘perpetual’ TFR that follows
Air Force One around. I know the problems associated with a
permanent TRF (somehow ‘permanent & temporary’ don’t mix). So a
moving TFR is a real target for general aviation pilots. The
surprise was that our local FSDO reported not one problem came
from the visit. NO Pilot invaded the private world of Air Force
One! That means we pilots are being very cautious. That is good.
Every time a pilot ‘pops’ into a TFR, the entire pilot
population suffers.
So, an ATTA BOY goes out to pilots everywhere who can manage to
remain clear of the TFRs. Keep up the good work. Perhaps
someday, this orange/red level and TFRs will cease to exist. All
in good time. In the meantime, fly wisely.
DOUBLE STANDARD
That old ‘double standard’ still exists. The commercial
airlines and IFR traffic can remain flying during those ‘Temp’
TFRs. I guess it means that the President wouldn’t be hit with
one of those planes. That is because, as we all know, the most
dangerous planes are a Cessna 172 and Cherokee 140. It must mean
that terrorist would not be smart enough to ‘highjack’ a
commercial plane, nor smart enough to file a flight plan. I do
wish TSA and Homeland security could stop the overwhelming
lopsided double standard we see toward general aviation.
FRIENDLY VOICE FOR FRIENDLY SKY
As general aviation gets back to some sense of normalcy,
there are still hazards out there that might reach out and bite
us. That is all the more reason to fly with all the information
possible… a good source is 800 WX-BRIEF. You will find a
friendly voice with all the up to date information you will
need. If you’re not satisfied with what information you have as
you fly, call Flight Watch as you travel along your path for
updates on conditions and TFRs in your present flight zone. It
is a lot easier to prevent problems than it is to get out of a
problem you’ve created.
AIR SHOW, GOTTA GO
This is the season for air shows. If you’re looking for a
weekend out with the family, take them to an air show. If you go
to www.fly-low.com and select our Air Events button you will
find one of the most comprehensive and up-to-date aviation
events calendars on the web. If you don’t find your favorite
event on there, email us with the information and we will see
that it gets on ASAP. We are working on our 2004 Aviation Events
Calendar; so if you have events and dates that far in advance,
let us know. This is the time to take your family out to an air
event and enjoy the free sky, or at least what is left of it. |
