The FAA's lack of independent judgment, or conviction, as to what truly constitutes a threat within aviation is incomprehensible. One would think that the FAA would be best positioned to properly advise Homeland Security in this space, but clearly they've allowed the political and sensational overtake knowledge and judgment.
Case in point is the "through the fence" horror show now playing out. My long standing aspiration to retire to a residential airpark community is in severe doubt and I would hate to be a current owner or sponsor of such.
I'm still shaking my head over this. No laws were broken and there is nothing on the charts to indicate a 9/11 sensitive site.
The glider pilot was local and admittedly knew about the power plant, but, sheesh, he was in a glider looking for thermals and likely didn't have much latitude in where he searched for them. Even so, it shouldn't have mattered, there are no laws against what he did. Most fully briefed x-country pilots, with all the bells and whistles in the cockpit, would have zero clue that a nuclear plant was below them.
It is surreal...we should not have to defend ourselves for not breaking the law. Sheer ignorance on the part of all the law enforcement people involved. I truly hope the pilot pursues this, if for no reason to hopefully increase awareness for all.
