The recent TFR over Martha’s Vineyard for President Barack Obama’s vacation created a gateway airport system that allowed GA pilots to operate within the 30-nm ring and the inner 10-nm-radius no-fly zone, according to the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. Pilots had to request a waiver online from the FAA at least 72 hours in advance of their flights and submit to TSA screenings at designated gateway airports. Previously, all operations at airports within the inner 10-nm ring of a presidential TFR were grounded.
“Pilots proved that this systems works and that the FAA does not need to ground GA operations when the president travels,” said Craig Spence, AOPA vice president of regulatory affairs. “Our ultimate goal is to eliminate these TFRs.”
