The FAA has issued a flight advisory that establishes temporary restricted areas (TRA) for most non-commercial scheduled aircraft and UAS operations at or near some New York area airports during the upcoming UN General Assembly gathering in Manhattan. While the UN meeting runs from September 23 to 27, the restrictions will be in effect from September 21 to 27.
Separate restrictions apply to flights in the vicinity of the East River, Manhattan, John F. Kennedy International Airport (KJFK), and Morristown Airport (KMMU) in New Jersey. In all cases, overflights of Manhattan are not permitted. Additional requirements apply to UAS (uncrewed aircraft systems) operations. LaGuardia Airport (KLGA) is limiting all general aviation flights to a maximum of two hours on the ground. “All of these airports are adding special event fees,” according to business aviation information provider OpsGroup. “Teterboro is the one exception so far, with no extra restrictions or event fees in place.”
The FAA cautions that “due to potential security activity,” TCAS avionics may be “less sensitive than normal in the airspace within 27 nm of Manhattan.” However, the agency said these security activities will not generate false TCAS targets. “Any traffic advisory and/or resolution advisory should be treated as valid, and pilots should respond accordingly.” If pilots experience an anomaly with TCAS, they “are advised to notify the appropriate ATC facility immediately.”
In addition to permitting flights involving law enforcement and air ambulances, helicopter operations at the East 34th Street heliport (6N5) and seaplane operations at New York Skyports Seaplane Base (6N7) are allowed. The advisory warns that violators of the restrictions face administrative action, civil penalties, suspension or revocation of airmen certificates, criminal charges, and possible “deadly force” if an aircraft is determined to pose an “imminent threat.”