Some airspace designs are badly done. Some have “badness” thrust upon them. The Washington Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), cobbled together by Notam in early 2003 as a “temporary” measure in preparation for the invasion of Iraq, managed to incorporate both extremes. Along with a “zero-tolerance” approach to even the most cursory and innocent violation, the Washington ADIZ became an 288
The New ADIZ
Some airspace designs are badly done. Some have "badness" thrust upon them. The Washington Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), cobbled together by Notam in early 2003 as a "temporary" measure in preparation for the invasion of Iraq, managed to incorporate both extremes. Along with a "zero-tolerance" approach to even the most cursory and innocent violation, the Washington ADIZ became an operational burden, cartographic nightmare and growth industry for enforcement, all at the same time.
Key Takeaways:
- The Washington ADIZ, initially established in 2003 and considered an operational burden, underwent a significant overhaul effective August 30, 2007.
- Key changes included a substantial reduction in its physical size, releasing some operators and airports from its requirements, and the introduction of new VFR speed limits within and surrounding the ADIZ.
- Despite the size reduction, core operational procedures for pilots operating within the ADIZ, such as filing specific flight plans, obtaining discrete transponder codes, and maintaining ATC communication, largely remain in effect.
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