Aviation Update
Wednesday, October 17, 200, 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time

FAA Administrator Jane Garvey Speaks About the New World of Aviation
In a speech this afternoon at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., Administrator Jane Garvey spoke about the changes in civil aviation following September 11's terrorist attacks. She outlined the steps the FAA - and the aviation community - is taking to assure the safety and security of the U.S. aviation system. You may read the speech by following this link or go to www.faa.gov/apa/speeches/garveysp.htm

FAA Advises Air Travelers on Airport, Airline Security Measures
Last week, the FAA issued tips for air travelers about heightened security measures at airports and on aircraft. Travelers are advised to allow extra time to check in, to bring a government-issued ID, to carry on only one carry-on bag and one personal bag, such as a purse or briefcase.

FAA Restores Private Flying in 15 Major Metropolitan Areas
On Oct. 12, in its phased program to restore access to U.S. airspace, the FAA announced that private aircraft may resume flying in the airspace around 15 major metropolitan areas. Flights under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) may resume each morning according to the following schedule:

Monday, October 15: Houston, TX; Kansas City, MO; Memphis, TN; New Orleans, LA, and St. Louis, MO.
Tuesday, October 16: Cleveland, OH; Dallas-Fort Worth, TX; Honolulu, HI; Minneapolis, MN, and Phoenix, AZ.
Wednesday, October 17: Charlotte, NC; Cincinnati, OH/Covington, KY; Salt Lake City, UT; Seattle, WA, and Tampa, FL.

Aircraft with encoding transponders will be able to fly VFR in the Enhanced Class B airspace around these 15 areas. Pilots of aircraft with the radio capability are instructed to monitor the guard frequency (121.5 MHz) while in Enhanced Class B airspace. Aircraft without transponders will be able to fly in Enhanced Class B if pilots first obtain a waiver. Enhanced Class B airspace is a 20-nautical-mile (22.7 statute mile) radius around a major airport and extends from the ground to infinite altitude. Current restrictions on VFR flying in the other 15 major metropolitan areas with Enhanced Class B airspace remain unchanged. Please check the appropriate NOTAM for more information.

General Aviation Flights and NOTAMS
Special interest NOTAMS - Notices to Airmen - issued since Sept. 11 are available online at www.faa.gov/NTAP. This is a resource for pilots - especially general aviation pilots and operators. If you are a general aviation pilot and unsure of your authorization status, please contact your local Flight Service Station at 1-800-WXBRIEF. Pilots flying under visual flight rules must receive a full briefing from their Flight Service Station or DUATS. The FAA appreciates the patience and understanding of the general aviation community as the FAA works to restore the nation's aviation system after the devastating attacks of Sept. 11. The FAA is deeply concerned about the hardships caused by the current restrictions on VFR flights. These restrictions are being implemented due to high-level decisions based on security considerations.

Grant Program
Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta created a $20 million grant program to develop new technologies for heightened aircraft security. This is part of the $500 million initiative announced by President Bush last month. Airlines interested in the funding process for the Enhanced Airplane Security Program should visit the following website: http://www.airweb.faa.gov/airplane_security/announce.htm.

Federal Air Marshall Program
The FAA is recruiting Federal Air Marshals. The requirements are among the most stringent of any U.S. federal law enforcement agency. The vacancy announcement is posted at http://jobs.faa.gov. Here you can learn about the job, compensation, qualification requirements, and how to apply. In order to be eligible for consideration, candidates must be under 40 years of age at appointment. Current or former Federal Law Enforcement officers may be over 40 years of age if certain provisions are met. Applicants may complete and submit their applications on-line. Instructions for applying using either the hard copy or on-line applications are available in the vacancy announcement.

FAA Aviation Insurance Program
For U.S. scheduled air carriers that carry passengers and/or cargo, the FAA is offering "gap" third-party war risk liability insurance coverage beyond the $50 million limit set by the private insurance industry. Airlines that want to enroll in this program should go to www.api.faa.gov/911Policies/InsCover.html for information.

Contact the FAA
The FAA has a centralized way for you to communicate comments, suggestions, and concerns related to the Sept. 11 tragedy and its impact on air travel - by e-mail, fax, or by telephone. The e-mail address is 9-AWA-TELLFAA@faa.gov. The fax number is 202-267-5091. The telephone number - staffed Mondays - Fridays, 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time - is 1-866-289-9673. If at all possible, please try to e-mail or fax us.

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