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:

Presidential election years significantly increase Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) that general aviation pilots must navigate.
Pilots are obligated to check NOTAMs before every flight and strictly adhere to all TFR requirements.
Failure to comply with TFRs can result in severe consequences, including interception, legal penalties, certificate revocation, and even the use of deadly force.
Ignoring TFRs not only jeopardizes individual pilots but also harms the reputation of general aviation, potentially leading to further restrictions for the entire community.

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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?