College Park Airport: A Unique Urban Airport Experience

is college park49 cfr 1562 airport

College Park Airport is one of the Maryland Three Airports, which also include Potomac Airfield and Washington Executive/Hyde Field. The airport security coordinator is responsible for ensuring that the airport's security procedures are implemented and followed. This includes identifying and providing contact information for the coordinator, as well as maintaining a current record of individuals and aircraft authorized to operate to or from the airport. The security coordinator must also monitor the security of aircraft during operational and non-operational hours and alert the necessary parties of unsecured aircraft.

Characteristics Values
Name College Park Airport
Airport Code CGS
Location College Park, Maryland
Area Washington, DC, Metropolitan Area
Jurisdiction Federal Aviation Administration
Security Compliance with TSA security rules in 49 CFR part 1562, subpart A
Flight Plan Requirements IFR or DC FRZ flight plan for each departure and arrival
Pilot Identification Assigned pilot identification code required for flight plan acceptance
Egress Procedures Compliance with IFR or VFR egress procedures
Departure Instructions Compliance with Air Traffic Control departure instructions

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College Park Airport is one of the Maryland Three Airports

College Park Airport is indeed one of the three airports in the Maryland Three (MD-3) program. The airport is located in the City of College Park, in Prince George's County, Maryland, and is the world's oldest continuously operated airport. It was established in August 1909 by the United States Army Signal Corps to serve as a training ground for Wilbur Wright to teach two military officers to fly the government's first aeroplane. Civilian aircraft began flying from College Park Airport as early as December 1911.

The other two airports in the Maryland Three are the Potomac Airfield (VKX) and Washington Executive/Hyde Field (W32), also known as Hyde Executive Field. These three airports are the closest general aviation airports to the National Capital Region and are within the Washington, D.C., Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA) and the Washington, D.C., Flight Restricted Zone (FRZ). The FRZ covers an area within a 13-15 nautical mile radius of the Washington, D.C., VOR/DME (DCA) and imposes significant operational restrictions on the three airports.

The Maryland Three Program (MD-3) allows properly vetted private pilots to fly to, from, or between these three airports. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have implemented security measures and streamlined procedures for screening pilots seeking access to the DC-3 airports. This includes background checks and the issuance of personal identification numbers (PINs) to pilots.

College Park Airport, known as the "Field of Firsts," has been the site of numerous aviation milestones throughout its history. It has been an active and significant airport for over a century and continues to serve the needs of aircraft pilots, history buffs, and aviation enthusiasts.

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Enhanced security procedures for operations at College Park Airport

College Park Airport is one of the Maryland Three Airports located within the Washington, DC, Metropolitan Area Flight Restricted Zone. The airport security coordinator is responsible for ensuring that the airport's security procedures are implemented and followed.

Compliance with TSA Security Rules

Aircraft, crew, and passengers must comply with the security rules issued by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in 49 CFR part 1562, subpart A. These rules are designed to address national security concerns and protect critical national assets against potential airborne threats.

Flight Plan Requirements

Before departing, pilots must file an IFR or DC FRZ flight plan with the Washington Air Route Traffic Control Center for each departure and arrival at College Park Airport. This includes situations where the aircraft does not make an intermediate stop. The pilot must provide their assigned identification code, which will be verified by the control center before accepting the flight plan.

Adherence to Air Traffic Procedures

Pilots operating to or from College Park Airport must comply with specified air traffic procedures approved by the Administrator. These procedures are outlined in the Special Flight Rules Area (SFAR) and are designed to promote the safe flight of civil aircraft while addressing national security concerns.

Appointment of Airport Security Coordinator

Each operator of a Maryland Three Airport, including College Park Airport, must appoint an airport employee as the airport security coordinator. This individual is responsible for ensuring the implementation and adherence to security procedures. The coordinator must be approved by the TSA and provide their contact information.

Maintenance of TSA-Approved Security Procedures

The airport operator must maintain a copy of the airport's TSA-approved security procedures on-site. This ensures that all personnel are aware of and can adhere to the required security protocols.

Record-Keeping of Authorized Individuals and Aircraft

The airport security coordinator must maintain a current record of the individuals and aircraft authorized to operate to or from the airport. This includes monitoring the security of aircraft during operational and non-operational hours and alerting relevant parties if unsecured aircraft are identified.

Implementation of Security Awareness Procedures

The airport must implement and maintain security awareness procedures to enhance the overall security posture. This includes training personnel to identify and respond to potential security threats and ensuring a safe environment for passengers and staff.

These enhanced security procedures are in place to ensure the safety and security of operations at College Park Airport, addressing any national security concerns and mitigating potential airborne threats to critical assets in the region.

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Requirements for aircraft operations to or from College Park Airport

College Park Airport, located in the City of College Park, in Prince George's County, Maryland, is the world's oldest continuously operated airport. It was established in August 1909 by the United States Army Signal Corps to serve as a training location for Wilbur Wright to instruct two military officers to fly in the government's first aeroplane.

Compliance with Security Rules

The aircraft, its crew, and passengers must comply with the security rules issued by the TSA in 49 CFR part 1562, subpart A. These rules are part of the enhanced security procedures for operations at certain airports in the Washington, DC, Metropolitan Area Flight Restricted Zone, also known as the "Maryland Three Airports."

Flight Plan Filing

Before departing, the pilot must file an IFR, DC FRZ, or DC SFRA flight plan with the Washington Hub Flight Service Station (FSS) for each departure and arrival, regardless of whether the aircraft makes an intermediate stop. The pilot must provide their assigned identification code, which will be verified by the Washington FSS before accepting the flight plan.

Air Traffic Control Compliance

Pilots must comply with Air Traffic Control departure instructions from College Park Airport and proceed on the assigned course while remaining clear of the DC FRZ.

Egress and Ingress Procedures

Pilots using VFR egress procedures must follow Air Traffic Control instructions and maintain two-way radio communication with Potomac Approach until clear of the DC FRZ, DC SFRA, and Class B or Class D airspace areas.

For VFR ingress procedures, the aircraft must remain outside the DC SFRA until the pilot establishes communication with Air Traffic Control and receives authorisation to enter.

Routing Options

When landing at College Park Airport, pilots may receive routing via the vicinity of Freeway Airport.

These requirements are outlined in the Federal Aviation Regulation Sec. 93.343, which governs aircraft operations to and from College Park Airport, Potomac Airfield, and Washington Executive/Hyde Field Airport.

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Convictions or insanity findings must be reported to TSA within 24 hours

College Park Airport (CGS) is one of the Maryland Three Airports, along with Potomac Airfield (VKX) and Washington Executive/Hyde Field (W32). These airports are located within the airspace designated as the Washington, DC, Metropolitan Area Flight Restricted Zone.

The TSA has outlined specific security procedures and requirements for individuals operating aircraft to or from these airports. One of the critical requirements is that individuals must not have been convicted or found not guilty by reason of insanity of any crime specified in 49 CFR 1542.209 or 1572.103 within the 10 years preceding their application for authorization or during their authorization period.

In the event that an airport security coordinator or a pilot approved to operate within these airports is convicted or found not guilty by reason of insanity, they are mandated to notify the TSA within 24 hours. This prompt notification is crucial, as the TSA may decide to withdraw its approval of the individual as a result of the conviction or insanity finding.

The TSA's regulations highlight the importance of maintaining stringent security protocols and the necessity of timely reporting of any convictions or insanity findings. By adhering to these requirements, the Maryland Three Airports strive to ensure the safety and security of their operations within the Washington, DC, Metropolitan Area Flight Restricted Zone.

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College Park Airport's location in the Washington, DC, Metropolitan Area Flight Restricted Zone

College Park Airport is one of the three airports that fall within the Maryland Three Airports, along with Potomac Airfield and Washington Executive/Hyde Field Airport. These airports are located within the airspace designated as the Washington, DC, Metropolitan Area Flight Restricted Zone (FRZ) by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The FRZ covers approximately a 13-15 nautical mile radius around the Washington, DC, VOR/DME (DCA) and imposes strict operational restrictions on the three airports within it.

The FRZ has been in effect since September 11, 2001, and only allows scheduled commercial flights and certain authorised flights to enter without a waiver. The College Park Airport, in particular, has specific requirements for aircraft operations. Pilots must comply with Air Traffic Control departure instructions and file instrument flight rules (IFR), DC FRZ, or DC Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA) flight plans with the Washington Hub Flight Service Station (FSS) or the Washington Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC).

The DC SFRA, of which the FRZ is a part, is a roughly circular area with a 30-nautical-mile radius around Washington, DC. It includes prohibited areas surrounding sensitive locations like the White House, the National Mall, and the vice president's residence. Only specially authorised flights supporting the US Secret Service, the Office of the President, or specific government agencies are permitted in these areas.

To ensure security, pilots operating within the FRZ must be vetted by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and adhere to enhanced security procedures. These procedures include notifying the TSA within 24 hours if the pilot or airport security coordinator is convicted or found not guilty by reason of insanity of specific crimes outlined in 49 CFR 1542.209 or 1572.103. Additionally, pilots must obtain advanced clearance from FAA air traffic control and ensure their aircraft have functioning altitude-encoding transponders when flying within the DC SFRA.

Frequently asked questions

49 CFR 1562 is a set of enhanced security procedures for operations at certain airports in the Washington, DC, Metropolitan Area Flight Restricted Zone.

49 CFR 1562 applies to the Maryland Three Airports: College Park Airport, Potomac Airfield, and Washington Executive/Hyde Field Airport.

Aircraft, crew, and passengers must comply with security rules issued by the TSA in 49 CFR part 1562, subpart A. Additionally, pilots must file an IFR or DC FRZ flight plan and comply with Air Traffic Control departure instructions.

To be approved by the TSA, an airport's security procedures must include identifying and providing contact information for the airport security coordinator, maintaining a current record of authorized individuals and aircraft, monitoring aircraft security, and implementing security awareness procedures.

Yes, pilots must not have been convicted or found not guilty by reason of insanity of any specified crimes within the last 10 years. They must also not have a record of violating certain flight restrictions or security instructions.

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