Why were we stupid enough to put an airport so close to the WH?

[napi21]

There was yet another evacuation of the House because of a small plane intruding restricted air space. First, I guess I have to ask why this Admin is so afraid someone is trying to kill them? Never mind, I already know that answer.

The have a damn airport with the approach in line with the WH, and all the other buildings in DC, and they're getting excited about private planes accitendally encroaching restricted air space??? Come on folks! There really aren't any roads or street signs up there!

[Democracy White]

1. For sure!

If they are so worried perhaps they should consider moving the damn airport. Besides not everyone who flys a small plane is a terrorist!

Dee

[napi21]

2. Of course all planes are not flown by terroriits, but how can they know?

I do understand the concern by the FAA. You really never know who's flyig that plane. I just think it was a really dumb move to put an airport close enough to downtown DC that the approach for any plane HAS TO BR heading for the WH or other Gov't bulidings.

It would make life a little more difficult for all those folks in the House and Senate because they'd have to be driven a few more miles to get to work, but it would fix the problem of some innocent private pilot treading a bit off course.

[LightningFlash]

3. Who says it wasn't built there on purpose.......

....Anthrax. :evilgrin:

[napi21]

5. National has been ther forever!

I'm suggesting that they move it! I know it's very expensive, but if they are so concerned about terrorist attacks, maybe it's the only answer.

[ProdigalJunkMail]

4. actually...you can blame the airport on Congress

and the lobbyists...they need a quick way in and out of there...and as far as a road map...for an informed pilot there IS a roadmap that is very well defined.

theProdigal

[napi21]

6. If you're talking about a private pilot flying from somewhere not

familiar with the DC area, there isn't a real map! I don't think proper instructions are given to provate pilots when they file a flight plan that could take them close to DC.

[ProdigalJunkMail]

8. um...you can get a map of any airspace you like

I have several on the wall right here in front of me...DFW...ATL...CLT and a few smaller airfield areas. And they are quite clearly marked with restricted airspace. Any pilot should be able to read them without too much problem.

http://tfr.faa.gov/tfr/list.jsp

tP

[Cooley Hurd]

10. If the unfamiliar private pilot is lazy enough that he doesn't use charts

...or at the very least call Flight Service for the latest NOTAMS (that would specifically tell of the airspace restrictions around DC), then he shouldn't be flying.:thumbsdown:

[Spider Jerusalem]

7. Well, considering that the airport was originally built in 1941...

and the security risks were much less great then (not to mention that the biggest passenger airliners were tiny compared to a 747) it wasn't something that was thought of. And a pilot who knows what he's doing ought not to enter restricted airspace; there are designated flight corridors, and most commercial and civilian pilots don't seem to have too much trouble homing in on a VOR beacon and maintaining an appropriate heading to stay in those flight corridors.

[lynne]

9. In a small plane -

- you can't miss DC or mistake it for anything else, not even at night. The Washington Monument looming in front of you is your first hint.

Last night we had a horrific storm in the VA/DC area and I understand that this guy was trying to outrun it. I don't blame him as the storm was violent. Apparently he got off track and the main problem is that he didn't respond to radio calls.

DC has been restricted airspace for as long as I remember, long prior to the current administration. This is nothing new.