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Date: Mon, 03 Nov 2008 19:25:57 -0500
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From: "Robert Pastusek" <rpastusek@htii.com>
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Subject: RE: [LML] flying to dc
Organization: Holmes-Tucker International, Inc.
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David W writes:  any suggestions on best place to fly into dc-going to
steelers/redskins
game(GO STEELERS!!!!!) mon nt and going to stay in dc.  have flown into
kgai many times before but would rather be closer but want a reasonable
runway length.  not many options.  anyone ever fly into reagan? 

David,

I live in Arlington, VA and fly my IV-P in the local area out of Manassas,
VA (HEF). Here's my best shot.

Although it is technically possible to fly into Reagan National Airport in a
private plane, as a practical matter, forget it... First, you need to be
pre-screened and issued a special authorization to fly within the 15 NM
circle around the capitol (technically called the Flight Restricted Zone, or
FRZ). A second requirement to fly in to Reagan is that you stop at a
designated feeder airport and pick up a Sky Marshall to accompany you. You
incur the cost, including the cost to return him to his departure point.
Don't even think about "just doing it" if you value your right to fly
airplanes--the local enforcement agencies (I think there are at least three)
compete for the right to catch and prosecute violators.

There are three very small airports, Potomac (VKX), Hyde and College Park
that are also within the FRZ. It's possible to get pre-screened to operate
into these fields, but not in the time you have available. They are also
marginally long enough to accommodate an IV-PT. I have permission to do so,
but have not had my IV-P into any of them because of the short runways.

I'd recommend you consider Manassas (HEF) first, then Stafford (RMN), Dulles
(IAD) and Baltimore (BWI) in that order. Manassas is our most capable GA
airport in the area, and is well served by rental car companies and
amenities. It, IAD, and BWI are within the Washington Air Defense
Identification Zone (ADIZ) and you'll need to file an IFR or VFR clearance
to be allowed into the ADIZ. Specifically, you must be squawking a discrete,
assigned transponder code and be talking to Potomac Approach Control to
operate within the ADIZ--IFR or VFR. (The FRZ is a smaller circle within
this larger ADIZ that requires additional justification and clearance to
enter. Stay well clear of the FRZ unless specifically vectored by ATC--I
have never seen them do this)

Dulles and Baltimore have GA facilities on the field, but they charge
significant landing and tie down fees. Their cost for fuel will also make
you wish you owned the refinery! Their main advantage is ready availability
of public transportation, but like Manassas, they have rental cars readily
available. All three are relatively the same distance/time from downtown DC.

Stafford (RMN) is south of town, and just outside the ADIZ. New airport and
inexpensive. Almost no amenities on the field yet; you'll want to be sure to
reserve a rental car to be delivered there before arrival as there is no
commercial transportation on the field. The local FBO at (540) 658-1212 can
arrange. 

Strongly recommend you study the NOTAMS and complete the FAA's on-line
course for operating in this area before you come. This will become a
binding requirement early next year, but for now they just violate you for
infractions... Find the course at www.faa.gov. Select Pilots//Training//More
Training Information, and when you're there, go to "Online Training for
Pilots: Washington ADIZ and TFRs"

All this sounds pretty intimidating, and it can be. You need to research and
make a more thorough plan than you probably do for local flying. I'd
recommend you file and fly IFR for your first trip into the area. Potomac
Approach assumes some responsibility for keeping you out of trouble (did I
mention the Prohibited Area P-40 north of town, as well as several
restricted areas within and around the ADIZ?) They will also clear you into
the ADIZ, or send you elsewhere if there is a problem with your ADIZ
clearance. I'd recommend your plan include an alternate outside the ADIZ,
such as Stafford, Warrenton, or St Mary's County (MD) just in case they are
having a bad hair day and don't want to let you land where you'd like to--it
happens!

Drop me an email to rpastusek@htii.com if you'd like to discuss this
further.

Hope this helps.

BOB