The FAA issued a final rule reorganizing its regulations governing the security control of air traffic (See FAR Part 99). According to the FAA, the reorganization was necessary “to reflect the changing environment and the increased role of [other] Federal agencies in advising the FAA about matters related to the security of air traffic operations….” The rule is effective on April 29 and was issued without seeking public comment “because the changes are minor and for the most part non-substantive.”
The revised rule reflects the increased roles of the Department of Defense, federal security and/or intelligence agencies, and law enforcement agencies and their roles in advising and influencing the FAA in all matters related to the security of the National Airspace System and the aircraft that fly in it. Unfortunately, the rule does not affect NOTAM’s that establish flight security procedures for the Washington, D.C. or that areas ADIZ.
Since the national security landscape changes on almost a daily basis, stay tuned. Hopefully new rules containing reasonable procedures and expectations will be implemented in the near future to re-open the D.C. airspace to business and general aviation.
