The Visual Warning System (“VWS”) for the D.C. ADIZ discussed in my May 13, 2005 post goes into effect this Saturday. You can review a Fact Sheet, Questions and Answers and a Video on the VWS here. The video shows what a pilot can actually expect to see both looking out the front of the aircraft as well as looking out the passenger window. The red-red-green flashing lights appear similar to the flash of a rotating beacon, only more frequent.
Although this system does not appear to prevent ADIZ incursions, if the VWS is understood and followed by pilots, it should help prevent last week’s “scare” by encouraging earlier diversion from the ADIZ once an incursion has occurred.
