TFR (Temporary Flight Restriction) Info

What is it all about and how is it related to a baseball game?

The TFR Diagram shows two circles. The smaller circle is the TFR that is in effect during a game at Jacobs Field, the larger circle that contains the smaller circle is the TFR that is in effect during the Cleveland National Air Show.

You will notice the northern half of the larger circle is outlined in red to show the area of Air Show operations. (Aircraft may fly in the southern half of the circle; however they are at normal altitude, at level flight and coordinated with Air Traffic Control while they are in that airspace just like any other aircraft. You will also notice a shaded rectangle at the center of the diagram that indicates the air show's Aerobatic Area -- this is the specific area of aerobatic flight.

Thus, to increase safety by eliminating non-participating aircraft only air show related aircraft are permitted to operate within the large circle during the TFR period, while air show aircraft are in the lower semi-circle they are coordinated with, and under, Air Traffic Control and operate as normal flight. Air show aircraft set-up and maneuver in the area north of the indicated diagram and operate aerobatically, in compliance with all FAA regulations and approved International Council of Air Show procedures, within the designated Aerobatic Area.

View the Diagram of Cleveland National Air Show/Major League Baseball Temporary Flight Restrictions with accompanying Air Show Area of Operations and Aerobatic Area.

So what's the problem?

The Federal Aviation Administration interpreted a law in August, nine days before the Air Show, in a way that prevents the Cleveland National Air Show from operating during regular season major league sporting events in downtown Cleveland.

The original purpose of this law was NOT in response to homeland security .

In 1999 , the rules were first proposed in response to a U.S. Department of Defense request to establish temporary flight restrictions during performances of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. The DoD wanted to step up air space safety for the jet teams by adding another layer of protection to the existing "see and avoid" method of collision avoidance. In addition, major league sporting events sought FAA restrictions to prevent congestion of aircraft - banner towing, aerial sightseers, etc. - over its venues. In 2004, these rules had evolved into the confusing Public Law No. 108-199.

What's a temporary flight restriction?

Imagine a cylinder of air with a defined radius and altitude over the Air Show or a stadium. Non-participating aircraft are told to remain clear of that air space while the event is happening. However, its effectiveness is dependent upon the adherence of responsible pilots.

The law is NOT about homeland security because it:

•  Does not prohibit general aviation pilots from taking off and landing at will from Burke Lakefront Airport during a regular season Cleveland Indians or Cleveland Browns game.

•  Ignores that professional Air Show pilots like those who perform at the Cleveland National Air Show must be certified annually by the FAA to perform before millions of people. Military pilots are authorized by the U.S. Department of Defense.

•  Allows professional pilots - Air Show or otherwise - to fly before major league crowds if they do so as part of the sports event itself.

•  Treats people differently. Regular season sporting fans fall under the temporary flight restriction rules, but pre-season sporting fans and all Air Show fans do not.

The Cleveland National Air Show cannot continue if the law is interpreted as it was in 2004 - organizers require 14-plus months of planning for the event, well before major league schedules are set. Plus, game times can be changed with only a week or single day notice - for rain make-ups or to accommodate television schedules.

AIR SHOW ORGANIZERS CANNOT RISK SUCH UNCERTAIN SCHEDULING and CONTINUE TO PRODUCE THE SHOW EACH YEAR.

So let the U.S. Department of Transportation know that you know that Public Law No. 108-199 is NOT about safety related to the Air Show operating at the same time as a stadium event in Cleveland. The Department of Transportation must allow the Cleveland National Air Show to go on whether there's a major league sporting event or not!

Copyright ©2004, Cleveland National Air Show