[FedCom] NYC/North NJ & Wash DC Higher Alert

[Peter Gottlieb]

You are correct about ATC, however they will advise you when you are
approaching restricted or sensitive areas and contact law enforcement should
the situation warrant.  Around here that means police helicopters will most
likely intercept you, and yes, they are quite capable of shooting you down.

Virtually all airspace restrictions are politically motivated as small
planes (even carrying explosives) cannot do significant damage and faster,
higher payload planes like business jets or larger can penetrate such an
area before intercept could occur.  Like Tom Ridge is saying now, the
preferred attack (because it is easy, reliable, and devastating) is a car or
truck bomb.

And, yes, I am a pilot in case you were wondering.


>
> I've talked to pilots regarding FAA restrictions on the GGB. Basically,
> there aren't any. I guess the GGB district isn't as politically
> connected as say Disney. I was told the ATC will ask you why you are
> flying over the bridge should you  do a few loops, but there is nothing
> to stop such action. In fact, ATC just directs traffic; they are not cops.
>