The FAA has issued restrictions for the airspace surrounding Chicago during the upcoming G-8 Summit that authorize the use of deadly force. What are the criteria that determines whether an aircraft (or model rocket) poses an imminent security threat? I will give the FAA credit for one thing, they have restricted every conceivable type of aerial means to attack this summit except trained birds. Now we know why urban warfare drills were being conducted over downtown Chicago in April.
David DeGerolamo
FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION
FLIGHT ADVISORY
G-8 SUMMIT
Thurmont, MD
May 18-19, 2012
Pursuant to 49USC40103(b), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) classifies the airspace defined in this advisory and the published NOTAM as ‘National Defense Airspace’. Pilots who do not adhere to the following procedures may be intercepted, detained and interviewed by law enforcement/security personnel. Any of the following additional actions may also be taken against a pilot who does not comply with the requirements or any special instructions or procedures announced in this NOTAM:
A) The FAA may take administrative action, including imposing civil penalties and the suspension or revocation of airmen certificates; or
B) The United States Government may pursue criminal charges, including charges under Title 49 of the United States Code, Section 46307; or
C) The United States Government may use deadly force against the airborne aircraft, if it is determined that the aircraft poses an imminent security threat.
Be advised that noncompliance with the published NOTAM may result in the use of force.
The list of restrictions is not limited to aircraft: remote control model aircraft and model rockets are also banned:
D. The following operations are not authorized within this TFR:
1. Flight training
2. Practice instrument approaches
3. Aerobatic flight
4. Glider operations
5. Seaplane Operations
6. Parachute operations
7. Ultralight, hang gliding
8. Balloon operations
9. Agriculture/crop dusting
10. Animal population control flight operations
11. Banner towing operations
12. Maintenance test flights
13. Model aircraft operations
14. Model rocketry
15. Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS)
16. Utility and pipeline survey operations
Launch the Angry Birds…they’re not on the list ;P