The U.S. FAA issued a Notam covering the Washington, D.C. area for the State of the Union Address on January 12. Under the Notam, general aviation operations are banned from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), Washington Executive Airport/Hyde Field, Potomac Airfield and College Park Airport from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. on January 12. The prohibition includes general aviation operators who are typically authorized to fly into DCA, meaning DCA Access Standard Security Program participants. The FAA further is suspending most waivers for operation in the Flight Restricted Zone (FRZ) during the Notam period.

General aviation operations can depart and land at outlying airports, including Dulles International, Baltimore Washington International and Manassas Regional. But those operations must be on IFR flight plans and maintain two-way radio communication with ATC. The government is banning other transitions through the affected DC Special Flight Rules Area and FRZ that blankets the Washington, D.C. region. In addition, aircraft will not be allowed to loiter in the airspace. The FAA is suspending certain ingress and egress procedures during the temporary flight restriction period.

Noting the affected airspace is defined as “national defense airspace,” the Notam warns that aircraft ignoring the restrictions could be intercepted and detained by law enforcement and security and pilots could face civil penalties, certificate revocation or criminal charges.