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TFR Trouble

Russell Munson
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The author, a pilot, unintentionally violated a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) and had an expired medical certificate, leading to a 90-day license suspension after an FAA enforcement action.
  • A key lesson learned was that pilots should immediately contact an aviation lawyer and file a NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS) report within 10 days of an infraction, rather than being completely forthcoming with the FAA.
  • The article points out that VIP-related TFR violations are handled punitively, often resulting in suspensions due to Secret Service requirements, which contrasts with the FAA's generally more educational approach for other safety incidents.
  • Pilots are urged to always check for TFRs before every flight, local or cross-country, and ensure all certifications (like medicals) are current to avoid severe consequences.
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(February 2011) — Joe Biden came to visit last Memorial Day weekend. I wish he had called first so I could have invited him for an airplane ride.

Sunday morning, May 30, was beautiful on eastern Long Island. You could almost see Ireland, and it was as calm as a lobster on lithium. On days like this pilots take to the air like hawks at mealtime. I did a quick weather check on the computer then drove to East Hampton airport, where my Husky lives. The plan was to fly along the beach around Southampton to check on erosion from the heavy spring storms, but mainly I was simply eager to roam the sky on such a day. Biden would have enjoyed it too, because I would be flying right near where he was staying, as it turned out.

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