MAY 16th, 2003 Chapter 59 members
This one may bite us if we are not carfull. Looks like the "security folks" are turning the screws down another notch on us.
This is a note from the AOPA

PRESIDENTIAL TFRs BAN ALMOST ALL GA ACTIVITY
As President Bush ramps up for his reelection campaign and continues to stump for his tax-cut proposal, those responsible for his security have apparently decided that general aviation is too great a threat to allow anywhere near him. The temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) that are created whenever the president travels outside Washington, D.C., state that "military, law
enforcement, emergency medical aircraft, regularly scheduled commercial passenger and cargo aircraft may operate within the area"-wording that deliberately excludes Part 91 and most Part 135 (air taxi and on-demand air carriers) from the restricted zone.
"Always in the past, talking to air traffic control and transmitting an ATC-assigned discrete transponder code was enough to gain admission for GA aircraft," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "So what has changed? Is there a specific and credible threat? If so, tell us. Pilots understand national security concerns and will play by the rules. But if not, give us back
access to our skies." Pilots need to be aware that the president plans to travel almost every day in support of his tax proposal, so pay attention to the news. If the president is going to be anywhere near your proposed flight path, ask briefers specifically about temporary flight restrictions in that area. For more,
see AOPA Online.

TSA Moving to New Department of Homeland Security  

SENATE PASSES SECURITY BILL 

TSA and FAA Issues "Immediate" Final Picture

SENATE PASSES SECURITY BILL 
The Senate Tuesday night passed a bill creating the Department of Homeland Security. The new 170,000-employee department will include the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), currently in the Department of Transportation. It creates a cabinet-level department with a Senate-confirmed secretary and a $37 billion budget. Tom Ridge, who currently heads the Office of Homeland Security for the White House, is expected to be nominated as the first secretary for the new department. AOPA secured language in the bill to protect general aviation, directing TSA to continue its congressionally mandated mission of safeguarding efficient movement of people and goods throughout the nation and its borders. The language requires that the secretary for Homeland Security consult with the FAA administrator before taking any action that might affect aviation safety or use of airspace. It also establishes a liaison office within the new department for consulting with the FAA. "It is encouraging that Congress has reaffirmed the mission of TSA, allowing the association to build on the extensive network of contacts within the TSA on common-sense approaches to general aviation security," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "This also recognizes that the U.S. aviation system is critical to the nation's economy." For more, see AOPA Online. 
 

The FAA has again issued a notam establishing a large TFR around President Bush's ranch in Crawford, Texas. As with the previous restriction, the TFR will have a radius of 30 nautical miles and extend from the surface up to 18,000. It will be in place from 1700 local (5 p.m.) on November 4 through noon local on November 5. The Crawford notam expands the existing P-49 prohibited area to a 10-nm radius. From the 10-nm-radius no-fly zone out to 30 nm from the ranch, the notam requires that pilots must be on an active VFR or IFR flight plan with a discrete ATC-assigned transponder code and in communication with ATC. In addition, the only flights permitted within this area will be for the purposes of ingress and egress. Aircraft must proceed directly to and from the airports. AOPA warns pilots that this restricted airspace will be actively enforced by the military and violators will be intercepted and forced down. See the notam or a graphic. 
 
 

PLEASE, CHECK THE NOTAMS BEFORE YOU FLY. 

Update on Jimmy's "Toys for Tots" fly-in 
To all interested parties 

Friday 9AM. It is raining hard at Jimmy's airport and it will be too wet and muddy to have the "Toys for 
Tots" tomorrow Saturday November 2, 2002. 

Jimmy said he will re-schedule the event for Saturday November 16th as his rain date. He thinks he can keep 
the 800 hot dogs that long. He is skipping Saturday the 9th as that is the Chapter 59 annual Veterans day 
fly-in at Scott field. See you all on the 16th. 

Just a reminder to all pilots: The TFR will again jump to 30 NM up to 18,000 feet at 1700 hours (L) on 
November 4th and run until noon (L) on November 5th around the Bush ranch. Also, the P-49 will be expanded 
to 10 NM. Read the NOTAMS and contact ATC if you are going to be flying in this area during this time 
period. 

By now you all know that the FAA pilot photo requirement is in effect now. You must have a 
government issued picture ID with you when you fly. (driver license) 

Emmette E. Craver 
Chapter 59 Pres. 
 

Finding that the security circumstances warranted immediate action, the FAA issued the final rule without prior notice or public comment. But with publication of the final rule the FAA asks for-and will consider-all comments in a comment period that ends on November 27, 2002. If changes to the rule are necessary to address aviation security more effectively, or in a less burdensome but equally effective manner, FAA will make such changes. 
(read more) 
 
For more detailed information go to:  
http://www.eaa.org/communications/eaanews/021024_id.html