Simple Mission, Complex Problems

After the terrorist attacks on 9/11, flying near Washington D.C. has never been the same, especially for general aviation. In the interest of national security, the Federal Aviation Administration and the Department of Homeland Security have mandated special flight rules and restrictions over the Washington D.C. Metropolitan Area. The airspace is like no other anywhere else in the United States. To non-local pilots, it can seem too intimidating or risky to fly through, but if you do some research and homework, the process of flying through the area can be seamless and harmless. There are many helpful resources online to prepare a pilot for flying in this area. FAA checklists and kneeboard charts are easily available and spell out procedures for the flight. Take a look here.

There are three main segments of unique airspace around the Washington D.C. area, each with their own requirements and restrictions:

1. 60 nm Radius from the DCA VOR/DME – If you fly within 60 nautical miles of the Washington DC VOR/DME, there are two requirements to consider. First, you must complete the regulatory requirement for special awareness training on the Washington DC Special Flight Rules Area. This is met by taking an online course and a short quiz at faasafety.gov. Pilots only need to complete the requirement once, but if it’s been 5 years, you might want to log on for a refresher. The second requirement is to be sure you do not exceed the 230 knot speed limit.

2. DC Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA) – The SFRA covers a radius of 30 nm from the DCA VOR/DME. In this airspace there is a speed limit of 180 knots. Whether flying into, out of, or transiting this area, pilots are required to maintain two-way radio communication and must squawk a discrete transponder code and file either an IFR or DC SFRA flight plan. To help ATC understand where you are entering or exiting the SFRA, they require that you list the name of your entry/exit gate in the flight plan. For airports on the fringe (Barnes, Flying M Farms, Mountain Road, Robinson, and Skyview), the requirements are less restrictive when departing. No flight plan is required, you squawk 1205 and just monitor 121.5. Pilots flying into and out of Leesburg airport also have less restrictions, no flight plan is required (unless you are doing pattern work), you squawk 1226, and make your radio calls on the CTAF.

3. DC Flight Restricted Zone (FRZ) – This area extends approximately 13 to 15 nm around the DCA VOR/DME. For all intents and purposes of a general aviation pilot, this airspace is off limits. However, with many restrictions and caveats, it is technically possible for general aviation pilots to fly into College Park Airport, Potomac Airfield or Washington Exceutive/Hyde Field Airport. The process requires the pilot to obtain a secure personal identification number (PIN). To apply for a PIN, a pilot must get finger printed and undergo a background check.