Washington, D.C., Special Flight Rules Area

A pilot who violates the boundaries may be intercepted by military aircraft and escorted to the nearest airport.

The U.S. Congress has never legitimized these restrictions, and any consideration of opposing the Executive Branch's actions became politically unpalatable in the wake of two mishaps that led to the evacuation of the Capitol.

This change reduced the size of the ADIZ by 1,800 sq mi (4,700 km2) and removed 33 airports from its coverage.

"[12] AOPA and other groups are hoping to persuade Congress to lift or ease the ADIZ restrictions from Washington airspace – or at the very least to dramatically improve its operational aspects.

In 2006, the FAA issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) docket number 17005 concerning making the temporary rules permanent.

[14] On August 30, 2007, the FAA implemented new rules for air traffic controllers and issued revised NOTAMs for pilots flying in the ADIZ.

[16] Pilots may also complete the required training by attending a seminar offered at a Flight Standards District Office.

The plan shall outline specific changes to the D.C. Metropolitan Area Special Flight Rules Area that will decrease operational impacts and improve general aviation access to airports in the National Capital Region that are currently impacted by the zone.

Other pilots are unlikely to see the lasers because, when activated, the directional beams are pointed at the aircraft that has crossed into restricted airspace.

The new Washington ADIZ (red line) compared to the old ADIZ (green line).
The old official entry and exit reference points for the ADIZ.
Photo of the DCA VOR/DME Ground Station located on the Ronald Reagan National Airport.
This is a graphic to show what the NORAD Laser Warning System would look like.
This is what the NORAD Laser Warning System would look like in an aircraft that entered restricted airspace.