Flying *Through* DC

"Larry R" wrote in message
oups.com

While doing some preliminary planning for a June trip from KLOU to
KWWD ( Cape May, NJ), my "direct" path would take me right over the
center of DC ( in the Prohibited area).

I have reviewed the articles and AOPA advice on travelling in and
arround the ADIZ, and know the procedures. Most of that advice seems
to be focused around navigating through it - but only on a North-South
axis.

Any ideas on how to plan? A northerly or southerly transition ? It's
all busy space...

I'm based at KJYO (Leesburg, VA) well within the ADIZ and have been dealing
with it ever since its inception.

Just to reiterate what you know already (but just in case somebody else is
interested in such a flight), the rules are simple:
1. File a flight plan via landline or DUAT(S).
2. Maintain 2-way comms with ATC.
3. Use a unique transponder code while in the ADIZ.
4. If transponder fails, exit the ADIZ via most direct route.

With that said, the FRZ (Flight Restricted Zone) within the ADIZ is a
different beast and your route would indeed take you right through it. It is
possible to get access to that airspace, but it requires a visit to security
folks for a briefing and fingerprints for the background investigation.

I have two recommendations for your flight:
1. File IFR. This takes care of all the requirements above (except #4 which
is an exceptional situation in any circumstance); - OR -
2. Alter your route slightly to KLOU-KGAI-KWWD or KLOU-MRB (VOR)-KWWD or
KLOU-BAL (VOR)-KWWD.

The controllers at Potomac Consolidated TRACON are very good and have shown
themselves to be quite helpful, but the ADIZ frequencies can get rather
busy. Keep your transmissions short and to the point. Some other notes of
interest:

a. Call PCT when you're about 5 minutes out.
b. You do not need a clearance to enter the ADIZ. (However, the Class B
inside still uses the same rules as other Class B areas.)
c. Expect to hear "N123, transponder observed" after initial contact and
entering your squawk code.
d. If you're VFR, do not expect to receive radar services - especially if
you are in the ADIZ on a good flying day.
e. You may be "asked" to fly certain vectors. This is usually the result of
the controller trying to keep his scope clear for arrival/departure
corridors into KIAD/KBWI/KDCA.

If you (or anybody else contemplating such an ADIZ flight) have any IFR
experience or are comfortable dealing with ATC, the ADIZ procedures aren't
terribly fearsome.

--
John T
http://sage1solutions.com/blogs/TknoFlyer
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