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Wednesday, 17 December, 2008

FAA Rules Give DC ADIZ Permanent Status

December 17, 2008

What’s at Issue
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has published regulations establishing the Washington, DC Special Flight Rules Area (DC SFRA).  This area has been commonly referred to as the DC ADIZ.

Why It’s Important
The DC SFRA final rule establishes a permanent set of rules governing flight operations for Washington, DC airspace.

Major Provisions
The DC SFRA rules are effective on February 17, 2009.  Key issues to note in the final rules are:
• The DC SFRA will consist of a 30-NM radius centered on the DCA VOR/DME.
• The DC FRZ, or Flight Restricted Zone, is an area within the SFRA subject to additional restrictions.
• Operations by holders of the DCA Access Standard Security Program are permitted when conducting program flights to/from DCA.
• Some procedural details for DC SFRA compliance will continue to be addressed via NOTAM.  Further, additional restrictions can still be imposed via NOTAM.
• Violations of the DC SFRA can carry penalties ranging from FAA certificate action to criminal prosecution.

NATA Position
Despite concerns from industry that the FAA’s proposal to codify the existing airspace restrictions would have serious negative effects on local airports, the agency has moved forward with the final rules creating the SFRA.  All operators, particularly those conducting VFR operations, are strongly encouraged to review the regulations closely to ensure continued compliance.

Status
The final rules establishing the DC SFRA were published in the Federal Register on December 16, 2008.  The new regulations are effective on February 17, 2009.

Click here to download the regulations.

Click here to review the NATA Issue Page on the Washington, DC ADIZ.

Staff Contact:  Jacqueline Rosser
Director, Regulatory Affairs
jrosser@nata.aero

To download a PDF version of this NATA Regulatory Report please click here.

For general press inquiries, contact Shannon Chambers at 703-298-1347 or schambers@nata.aero

The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) has been the voice of aviation business for more than 80 years. Representing nearly 3,700 aviation businesses, NATA’s member companies provide a broad range of services to general aviation, the airlines and the military and NATA serves as the public policy group representing the interests of aviation businesses before Congress and the federal agencies.