The FAA has issued first notices of flight restrictions for the two political conventions and flights to, from or through the areas — Tampa, Florida, and Charlotte, N.C. — will be affected, with pilots needing to be alert not only for the announced early Temporary Flight Restrictions, but also for any last-minute changes or additions that may come about.
Information cited here covers only the highlights to alert pilots to the complexity of the TFRs and to reinforce the need for becoming thoroughly informed.
Pilots who do not adhere to the procedures may be intercepted, detailed, and interviewed by law enforcement or security personnel. Violators might be liable for civil penalties and suspension or revocation of airmen certificates among other penalties.
On Aug. 26 a TFR will be placed at Tampa for the Republican convention and will consist of a 30 nautical mile outer ring and a 10 nm inner core from the surface to but not including 18,000 feet MSL. It will be in effect from 1400 TO 2300 local time.
From Aug. 27 to Aug. 30, a TFR will be placed and will consist of a 30 nm ring, from the surface up to but not including 5,000 feet. This will be in effect from 0900-1600 local daily.
From Aug. 27 to Aug. 30, a TFR will be placed and consist of a 30 nm outer ring and a 10 nm inner core from the surface up to but not including 18,000 feet. The TFR will be in effect from 1200-2359 local time on Aug. 27 and from 1600-2359 thereafter.
Operations at Knight Airport (TPF) will be prohibited when either TFR is in effect.
For the Democratic convention in Charlotte, the dates for TFRs will be Sept. 4-6 with the possibility of being extended to Sept. 7. This will consist of an outer ring of between 30 nm and 35 nm and a 10 nm inner core from the surface up to but not including 18,000 feet MSL. It will be in effect from approximately 1600 to 2359 local time Sept. 4-6. If the president or vice president attends, the TFR will be extended to Sept. 7.
The sizes of the outer ring will vary, and additional 10 nm inner rings may be added, based on U.S. Secret Service requirements. There are at least 13 airports within the TFR rings.
FAA warns that the announced information is advisory only and might change with little or no notice. Pilots flying any where near the two conventions should check NOTAMs frequently for the latest information.
For more information: FAA.gov