The Commander In Chief is coming!

What does that mean to us? It means that wherever he is there is a 30 nautical mile ring with flights restricted, and inside that a 10nm ring where flights are prohibited.

You can still fly, just check the NOTAMS before you go. If you are a student, or just unfamiliar with these TFRs, this is a great opportunity to go up with your instructor and learn what is involved.

You do not want to see one of these on your wing! Read on for what you need to do.

F-16 Fighting Falcon

If the NOTAM published today stays unchanged, Reid Hillview will only be inside the outer ring, and then only from 1pm to 4:15pm on Wednesday April 20th. But remember, politicians have a way of not sticking to their published schedules 😉

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE ACTUAL NOTAM

Since we will only be in the outer 30nm ring, flights are not prohibited, but they do have some restrictions.

In particular, patternwork, loitering and maneuverinmg flights are not permitted. You can leave the area and you can return. But you must have a valid activated flight plan and a transponder with Mode C and your assigned code BEFORE you take off, or before you reenter the 30nm ring on your way back. You cannot just call ground for a code, you must have filed your plan beforehand with Flight Service. The plan has to be activated before you take off – no taking off first and then calling FSS. You can ask Ground to activate it if they are not too busy, or you can use your cell phone to tell FSS when you will be taking off.

When no longer in contact with RHV tower it would be best to be in contact with NORCAL for flight following. If that is not practical, don’t just switch off your radio, be sure to monitor 121.5. Even if you do not get called, you may well hear the Air Force calling some hapless pilot who forgot.

If you fly into the outer ring of the TFR without following the rules, you WILL be intercepted and you WILL lose your license for at least 90 days. You might like to review the intercept procedures. Don’t ask what happens if you cross the 10nm line!

So please, we do not like to read about our pilots in the papers, at least not for this sort of thing.

And remember the Pilot in Command is responsible for ensuring the flight can be conducted safely and legally.