Silly Season

Unless you’ve been out flying the last few months, you’re probably aware 2012 is a presidential election year in the U.S. Take away all the posturing, the debates and the incessant television ads, and the average GA pilot is left with...temporary flight restrictions, or TFRs. The fun begins in earnest about the time you read this, with the GOP convention in Tampa, Fla., followed quickly by the Democrats’ confab in Charlotte, N.C. Even if you don’t live near one of those areas, an election-related TFR can pop up near you just about any time. What’s a pilot to do?

Joseph E. (Jeb) Burnside

Thursday, August 23, 2012 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

General aviation pilots must be aware of and comply with Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs), which are common during presidential election events and appearances.
Failing to comply with TFRs can lead to severe consequences, including interception, detention, civil/criminal penalties, certificate revocation, and even the use of deadly force.
Pilots are expected to diligently check NOTAMs and take airspace security seriously, as individual violations can negatively impact the entire general aviation community and provoke further restrictions.

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Unless you’ve been out flying the last few months, you’re probably aware 2012 is a presidential election year in the U.S. Take away all the posturing, the debates and the incessant television ads, and the average GA pilot is left with…temporary flight restrictions, or TFRs. The fun begins in earnest about the time you read this, with the GOP convention in Tampa, Fla., followed quickly by the Democrats’ confab in Charlotte, N.C. Even if you don’t live near one of those areas, an election-related TFR can pop up near you just about any time. What’s a pilot to do?