AOPA's "Enhanced Class B" Relocation procedures
(FAQ's) Frequently Asked Questions
Updated: 10/04/01 8:13:10 PM, ET

The following is presented in cooperation with AOPA and based on questions developed by the AOPA technical and aviation services staff, the following list was assembled to better explain the application of the Washington, DC and New York City relocation procedures. As other questions emerge, MOA will update this section as answers become available.

Question for procedures before takeoff

• In plain language, how am I supposed to prepare for a relocation flight?

1. Call FSS and ask for a standard preflight weather briefing as well as the information necessary to relocate your airplane outside of the TFR area.
2. File an IFR or VFR flight plan with an AFSS. Do not use DUATS. Pilots must advise briefer flight is for TFR Exit
3. Contact local airport manager regarding airport specific questions.

• Can I file the flight plan using DUATS?

NO.

• What is required from ATC prior to departure?

Specifics vary depending on the airport you are departing. However, the following is required for all airports.

1. Assigned, discrete beacon code (squawk)
2. Frequency to contact ATC upon release
3. ATC release (clearance)

• Are VFR-only pilots expected to know how to obtain their "clearance"?

Pilots must obtain all necessary flight information from AFSS and their local airport management.

• Who will provide the proper frequencies for pilots to contact ATC?

1. AFSS should be able to provide all necessary frequencies during the preflight briefing.
2. Airport staff/management should also be able to provide on-sight assistance.

• Can all aircraft including rotorcraft, with a functioning transponder and radio, relocate during the departure procedures?

Yes.

• Can aircraft that are not transponder/radio equipped utilize these departure procedures?

No.

• What is meant by the term "required crew member"?

For the purposes of the departure/relocation procedures, required crew members include the pilot and only necessary crew such as a flight instructor.

• In the Washington departure procedures, the FDK VOR is mentioned as a departure point for VFR A/C. Does that only apply to the BWI satellites or ALL satellites?

1. All BWI satellites may use FDK for VFR departures
2. Of the DCA satellite airports, ONLY College Park and Freeway may use the FDK option VFR departures
3. Of the IAD satellite airports, ONLY Davis Airport may use the FDK option for VFR departures

• How do I access the correct AFSS and ATC facilities involved in the relocation procedures?

Pilots are instructed to contact AFSS at 1-800-WX-BRIEF (800) 992-7433

Should a pilot need to contact a specific facility, the following direct dial numbers should be used:

Questions for procedures after takeoff

• Will I need to maintain contact with ATC after departure?

YES, you must maintain contact with ATC and continue your squawk until instructed otherwise by ATC.

• How will aircraft separation be handled during the relocation procedures?

ATC will provide IFR separation to all aircraft whether on a VFR or an IFR flight plan.

• If I'm filing an IFR flight plan, do I have to have GPS to fly the direct routes as prescribed?

NO, radar vectors will be provided to NON-GPS equipped aircraft to ensure appropriate use is flown.

• Do I need to close my VFR flight plan after receiving a frequency change and squawking1200?

NO, for these special relocation procedures, your VFR flight plan will be automatically closed upon termination of radar services. For pilots who wish to have a VFR flight plan activated to their final destination, an additional flight plan is required for the segment outside the TFR. The second flight plan can be activated with AFSS once outside the TFR area.

• Should I know the intercept procedures prior to departure?

ABSOLUTELY, to review military intercept procedures, Click Here