Helicopter Flight Information
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Helicopter Flight Information |
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Temporary Flight Restrictions and Intercept ProceduresThere is a lot of talk lately about TFR's and all the pilots that have been losing their licenses. Keep in mind that as always, talk is cheap. I have found after investigating some of these incidents, that some pilots have made untrue statements regarding their actual knowledge of the alleged events. It often turns out that they have only hear-say information which they have buttered up a little. It is true that if you violate a TFR, you will likely lose your license for at least 30 days, but usually not longer if you complied with all other regulations including intercept procedures. The most serious appears to be the roving TFR that follows Air Force One. This TFR ranges from 30 to 40 miles in a radius around the aircraft, and moves with it. Obviously this means that an area 60 to 80 miles in diameter is affected. Think about the size of that, and think about how much travel occurs during an election time. Persons running for president who are not yet elected do not have the TFR as does the President. It is absolutely imperative that pilots make better use of Flight Service. When these presidential TFR's are in effect you are not permitted to depart even into the pattern of your local airport. You must call the controlling facility in your area, and you will be given a squawk code. This could be the approach control of the nearest class C or Class B airspace or it could be the Center controlling your area. In any case you will be informed of this TFR when you call Flight Service, and they will give you the appropriate contact numbers. A TFR can pop up at any moment for many different reasons. Never assume that the air space is, or will remain free. Common areas of TFR's include aviation accidents especially military ones; areas which are burning from large fires, usually forest fires; congested areas of population such as large sporting events etc. Sporting events have a standing TFR which may or may not be activated at any time by whomever is in charge of making those decisions. InterceptIntercept procedures are outlined in the AIM beginning with section 5-6-1. The AIM is a part of most pilot versions of FAR publications, and is usually the second half. Other publishers issue an annually updated version of the AIM as a stand alone manual. Just as with other pilot information and materials, the AIM is updated periodically and it is the responsibility of the pilot to carry and consult current materials. Also, many other information sources with online outlets such as the AOPA offer information cards regarding intercept procedures. Check your favorite source. If all else fails, and you failed to call Flight Service before you departed, and if you have the most unfortunate experience of an FA18 (or its equivalent) on your side, don't panic right away. He won't shoot you down for at least 10 seconds (just kidding). Tune your radio to 121.5 (the emergency frequency) and talk, someone will be there to talk to you. What ever you do, don't just ignore the intercept or you will have a missile smoking up your exhaust pipe and no one will ever see any part of you ever again. |
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