pResidential visit throws wrench into Phoenix airport schedules

[UpInArms]

http://www.usatoday.com/travel/news/2004-10-11-phx-debate_x.htm

PHOENIX — President Bush's arrival in Phoenix this week for Wednesday's debate with Sen. John Kerry will mark the fourth time within a year that the Federal Aviation Administration has issued temporary flight restrictions over Phoenix.

From 11 a.m. PT Tuesday to 9 a.m. PT Thursday, pilots within a 60-nautical-mile circle centered at Arizona State University, site of the debate, will be on a short leash.

Julie Rodriguez, a spokeswoman for Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, said most Phoenix airline passengers are unaware of a presidential visit because he arrives in an area away from public terminals.

However, operations at Sky Harbor do come to an abrupt halt when the president's plane, Air Force One, is within five miles of the airport. Landings and takeoffs do not resume again until the president leaves the airport and departs in his motorcade.

<snip>

But it's enough to have a domino effect, causing flights to back up throughout the Southwest region.

The flight restrictions impact general aviation and commercial aircraft entering the 60-mile circle. Pilots are required to have a flight plan filed and remain in constant contact with Sky Harbor air-traffic controllers.

...more...

[Richard D]

1. Aargh!

I was delayed for 4 hours when * was in Las Vegas. Almost ruined the first vacation I've had in years, and caused all sorts of problems for me and my traveling companion. Did a lot of anti-* campaigning at the airport though.

[NMDemDist2]

2. i have already planned my week to be far far away from that side of

town wednesday

it's a nightmare, traffic is already horrible (esp this time of year as the snowbirds are arriving in their motorhomes towing their cars)

I am laying low at work and hi tailing it home at 11AM

usually I do outside marketing from 10-1 every day, but not wednesday

[Gman]

3. Bush must be getting a haircut on the tarmac

whenever he goes to Phoenix.

[rsmith6621]

4. Up Here In Seattle During A Visit

The flight restrictions closed KenmoreAir down for the day.

They had to CXLD reservations for the entire day costing them 75thousand buckeroos.....It did not set well with them.....Also the Feds have no plans on compensating them either....

So much for Compassionate/Conservative mantra

[havocmom]

5. If he's so tough, why doesn't he just parachute in

and spare everyone the annoyance....

Somebody remind the twerp that his daddy does it... :evilgrin:

[napi21]

6. That's SOP all the time for any President.

As much as I'd love to make shrub look like a chickenshit...not this time. I remember having to sit on the runway in ATL for almost an hour when BC was the Pres. I was bit*hing to my son who works there, and he said, sorry, but that's FAA regs. Nothing flies in the near airspace for 20 mins before AF1 lands, nor for 20 mins after AF1 departs. Same thing for AF2.

[beyurslf]

7. Wouldn't they do this for ANY President? Say, like, oh I don't know,

President Kerry next summer? Sure it is an annoyance, but they do have to protect the President, even if we don't like him.