Updated Sept. 23, 2015

Pope Francis is scheduled to visit three U.S. cities Sept. 22 to 27. Temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) have been released for the Washington, DC area on Sept. 22-24 and Philadelphia, PA on Sept. 26-27. Additional TFRs are in place for New York City area for both the Pope’s visit and a UN General Assembly meeting.

Note: These TFRs carry the same restrictions as Presidential TFRs.

REISSUED: Joint Base Andrews, MD area – September 22, 2015.

FDC NOTAM 5/3610 has been issued for the JOINT BASE ANDREWS, MD area for SEPTEMBER 22, 2015. This NOTAM replaces 5/2858 due to administrative changes only. The operational content (times and impacted areas) have not changed.

An 8 nautical mile TFR ring centered on ADW VOR prohibits GA operations at Washington Executive Airport/Hyde Field (W32) and Potomac Airfield (VKX) from 1530 local (1930z) until 1715 local (2115z) on September 22, 2015.

Participants in the DASSP will be allowed access to Reagan National Airport (DCA) during this TFR.

These NOTAM restrictions supersede the requirements of the DC Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA) where common airspace is shared. It does NOT supersede the requirements of of the DC Flight Restricted Zone (FRZ) where common airspace is shared.

Visit the FAA’s Graphic TFR web page to view the NOTAM text.

REISSUED: Washington DC area – September 22-24, 2015

FDC NOTAM 5/3611 has been issued for the WASHINGTON, DC area for SEPTEMBER 22-24, 2015. This NOTAM replaces NOTAM 5/7437 for administrative changes only. The operational content (times and impacted areas) have not changed.

An area defined by the boundaries of the DC FRZ (Flight Restricted Zone) will prohibit GA operations at Washington Executive Airport/Hyde Field (W32), Potomac Airfield (VKX) and College Park Airport (CGS) from 1530 local (1930z) on September 22, 2015 until 1630 local (2030z) on September 24, 2015.

Participants in the DASSP will be allowed access to Reagan National Airport (DCA) during this TFR.

General aviation arrivals and departures, on IFR flight plans and in two-way radio communication with ATC, will still be able to access Dulles International (IAD), Baltimore Washington International (BWI) and Manassas Regional (HEF) during the TFR times. However, other transitions through the DC SFRA (Special Flight Rules Area) and FRZ will not be allowed for either IFR or VFR aircraft. Additionally, aircraft will not be permitted to loiter in the airspace.

Ingress/egress procedures normally in place for JYO, MD47, MD77, MD43, MD14, and 51VA will be in effect during this TFR.

All flight waivers to operate within the FRZ (Flight Restricted Zone) will be temporarily suspended during the time of this NOTAM, except waivers beginning with ELO, GOV, or SPO.

Additional restrictions are provided in the full text of the NOTAM.

Visit the FAA’s Graphic TFR web page to view the NOTAM text.

New York, NY area – September 24, 2015

FDC NOTAM 5/4349 has been issued for the NEW YORK, NY area for September 24, 2015.

An 8 nautical mile TFR ring centered on JFK VOR prohibits GA operations at Kennedy International (JFK) airport from 1630 local (2030z) until 1745 local (2145z) on September 24, 2015.

This NOTAM has no outer rings because it is during the NOTAMs previously issued for the UN General Assembly and Papal visit – 5/3614 (ZBW) & 5/3619 (ZNY). This NOTAM is in addition to and does NOT supersede the restrictions already in place for 5/3614 & 5/3619. Please review those NOTAMs for addition restrictions and details.

Visit the FAA’s Graphic TFR web page to view the NOTAM text.

REISSUED: New York, NY area – September 24-30, 2015

FDC NOTAMs 5/3614 (ZBW) and 5/3619 (ZNY) have been issued for the NEW YORK, NY area for SEPTEMBER 24-30, 2015. These NOTAMs replace 5/1698 (ZNY) and 5/1703 (ZBW) for administrative changes only. The operational content (times and impacted areas) have not changed. The NOTAMs are identical but were both issued due to the TFR’s close proximity to the ZNY.

In summary, GA operations are prohibited at the following airports during the specified times:

  • LGA from 1630 local (2030z) on September 24, 2015 until 1830 local (2230z) on September 30, 2015.
  • JRA – from 1630 local (2030z) on September 24, 2015 until 1830 local (2230z) on September 30, 2015. (TSA screening available)
  • JRB – from 1630 local (2030z) on September 24, 2015 until 1830 local (2230z) on September 30, 2015. (TSA screening available)
  • 6N5 – from 1630 local (2030z) on September 24, 2015 until 1830 local (2230z) on September 30, 2015. (TSA screening available)
  • 6N7 – from 1630 local (2030z) on September 24, 2015 until 1830 local (2230z) on September 30, 2015. (TSA screening available)

Details
A 7 nautical mile TFR centered on the LGA271005.0, excluding a 2 nautical mile ring centered on the TEB VOR/DME, prohibits GA operations at LaGuardia Airport (LGA), West 30th Street Heliport (JRA), East 34th Street Heliport(6N5), Wall Street Heliport (JRB) and Sea-Plane operations arriving and departing the New York Skyports Inc. Seaplane Base (6N7) from 0700 local (1100z) on September 25, 2015 until 1900 local (2300z) on September 30, 2015. ***The 2 nautical mile “cut-out” should allow operations at TEB for the duration of the TFR – however, non-standard routings can be expected. Please note that, due to its proximity to the 7 nautical mile TFRs, certain operations at Newark International Airport (EWR) may not be available while this TFR is in effect. TSA screening for the heliports is available.

Also added is two 3 nautical mile “cut-out’s” that will allow operations at Farmingdale (FRG) and Westchester (HPN) for the duration of the TFR for arrivals and departures only – however, non-standard routings can be expected.

An outer TFR ring (similar to the traditional 30 nautical mile ring), consisting of the lateral limits of the New York Class B airspace, has additional restrictions between it and the 7 nautical mile areas from 1630 local (2030z) on September 24, 2015 until 1830 local (2230z) on September 30, 2015.
Gateway Information
Gateway airport procedures have been created by TSA at Farmingdale Republic Airport (FRG) and Linden Airport (LDJ) to accommodate general aviation helicopter operations to West 30th Street Heliport (JRA), East 34th Street Heliport (6N5), Wall Street Heliport (JRB) and Sea-Plane operations arriving and departing the New York Skyports Inc. Seaplane Base (6N7) from 0700 local (1100z) on September 25, 2015 until 1900 local (2300z) on September 30, 2015.. Departures from these heliports will also need to be TSA screened.

TSA screening will be available starting September 25, 2015 from 0700 until 1900 local.

Special ATC procedures may be assigned prior to departure from a gateway airport. Pilots, crew and passengers must provide valid government-issued photo identification to the TSA at the gateway airport prior to departure.

On departure from a gateway airport, aircraft must maintain radio contact with ATC and continuously squawk an ATC-assigned discrete code. Intermediate stops while enroute are not authorized unless an emergency exists.

Visit the FAA’s Graphic TFR web page to view the NOTAM text.

REVISION #2: Philadelphia, PA area – September 26-27, 2015

FDC NOTAMs 5/4119 (ZDC) and 5/4118 (ZNY) have been issued for the PHILADELPHIA, PA area for September 26-27, 2015. These NOTAMs replace 5/3612 (ZDC) and 5/3632 (ZNY) for administrative changes only. The operational content (times and impacted areas) have not changed. Please note these NOTAMs are identical as one is for Washington Center (5/4119) and one is for New York Center (5/4118).

NOTE: This TFR is for the Pope Francis visit to Philadelphia and will be similar to a Presidential TFR.

A 12 nautical mile TFR ring centered on the OOD029020.2 prohibits GA operations at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), Northeast Philadelphia Airport (PNE) and Wings Field Airport (LOM) from 0900 local (1300z) on September 26, 2015 until 2130 local (28/0130z) on September 27, 2015.

NOTE: Aircraft departing or arriving Northeast Philadelphia Airport (PNE) will be allowed to operate during the TFR without the need for TSA Gateway Screening under the following conditions.

  • Be on an active IFR/VFR flight plan (no airborne over the radio flight plans will be allowed)
  • Continuously squawk an ATC assigned discrete beacon code.
  • Maintain two way radio contact with ATC.

A 30 nautical mile TFR ring centered on the OOD029020.2 has additional restrictions between the 12 nautical mile and 30 nautical mile areas from 0900 local (1300z) on September 26, 2015 until 2130 local (28/0130z) on September 27, 2015.
TSA Gateway Screening Procedures
Gateway airport procedures have been created by the TSA at Westchester County Airport (HPN) and Harrisburg International Airport (MDT) to accommodate general aviation operations arriving Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) during the TFR. TSA screening will also be available at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) for operators wishing to depart during the TFR.

TSA screening will be available on Saturday, September 26 from 0900-1800 local (1300z-2200z) and on Sunday, September 27 from 0800-1800 local (1200z-2200z).

Operators must register with TSA for gateway screening no less than 24 hours prior to their scheduled departure time by calling TSA at 215-863-4927. Reservations for screening may be made beginning on Wednesday, September 23.

Visit the FAA’s Graphic TFR web page to view the NOTAM text

Announced Schedule

The Vatican has announced the following schedule for Pope Francis’ visit:

Tuesday, Sept. 22 (Washington, DC)

  • 4 p.m. Arrival from Cuba at Joint Base Andrews

Wednesday, Sept. 23 (Washington, DC)

  • 9:15 a.m. Welcome ceremony and meeting with President Obama at the White House
  • 11:30 a.m. Midday prayer with the bishops of the United States, St. Matthew’s Cathedral
  • 4:15 p.m. Mass of Canonization of Junipero Serra, Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

Thursday, Sept. 24 (Washington, DC; New York)

  • 9:20 a.m. Address joint session of Congress
  • 11:15 a.m. Visit to St. Patrick in the City and Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington
  • 4 p.m. Depart from Joint Base Andrews
  • 5 p.m. Arrival at John F. Kennedy International Airport
  • 6:45 p.m. Evening prayer (Vespers) at St. Patrick’s Cathedral

Friday, Sept. 25 (New York)

  • 8:30 a.m. Visit to the United Nations, address the United Nations General Assembly
  • 11:30 a.m. Multi-religious service at 9/11 Memorial and Museum, World Trade Center
  • 4 p.m. Visit to Our Lady Queen of Angels School, East Harlem
  • 6 p.m. Mass at Madison Square Garden

Saturday, Sept. 26 (New York, Philadelphia)

  • 8:40 a.m. Departure from John F. Kennedy International Airport
  • 9:30 a.m. Arrival at Atlantic Aviation, Philadelphia
  • 10:30 a.m. Mass at Cathedral Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul, Philadelphia
  • 4:45 p.m. Visit to Independence Mall
  • 7:30 p.m. Visit to the Festival of Families Benjamin Franklin Parkway

Sunday, Sept. 27 (Philadelphia)

  • 9:15 a.m. Meeting with bishops at St. Martin’s Chapel, St. Charles Borromeo Seminary
  • 11 a.m. Visit to Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility
  • 4 p.m. Mass for the conclusion of the World Meeting of Families, Benjamin Franklin Parkway
  • 7 p.m. Visit with organizers, volunteers and benefactors of the World Meeting of Families, Atlantic Aviation
  • 8 p.m. Departure for Rome

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