Air defense, flight restrictions discussed at conference

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LAKELAND, Fla. (AFPN) --  More effective, more efficient ADIZ and TFRs. That’s the message from Air Force pilots, battle commanders and air space controllers this week as Continental U.S. NORAD Region representatives reach out to the general aviation community attending the 2006 Sun ‘n Fun Fly-in here.

Of specific interest are the issues concerning the Washington, D.C. Air Defense Identification Zone and Temporary Flight Restrictions nationwide.

“It’s critical to our national sovereignty that we protect our major cities and (leaders) from air attacks similar to what we saw on Sept. 11, 2001,” said Col. Randy Morris, Air Component Coordination Element director for Homeland Security. “But it’s just as important that we not encumber the freedoms of the general aviation community any more than is necessary to provide for national security.”

To that end the Defense Department and Department of Homeland Security continue to review ADIZ and TFR construct and procedures with the Federal Aviation Administration and private aviation organizations.

“Our goal is to put into place an ADIZ and TFRs that are more effective and efficient for both the pilot operating in the airspace, as well as those charged to monitor it,” Colonel Morris said. “As a general aviation pilot I recognize the importance to strive for a proper balance of need and necessity in these critical areas.”

Col. Rick Lester, an F-15 Eagle instructor pilot, is a NORAD region battle commander at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla. His job is to monitor America’s airways for ADIZ and TFR violators and, when necessary, order actions to intercept them.

Education and awareness help reduce the number of violations, as well as take the mystery out of operating in controlled airspace, Colonel Lester said.

“Our job is to comply with the measures currently in effect to protect our centers of gravity from compromise or attack,” Colonel Lester said. “Providing pilots with our intercept procedures is the first step. The next is helping them understand the importance of filing flight plans and communicating in the airspace.

“We live in a different world now,” he said. “We all must change where necessary to protect ourselves and secure our airways.”