December 27, 2006 New York Pilots Caught In Restricted Airspace

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By Mary Grady, Contributing Editor

Pilots flying above New York City are getting sloppier, according to an analysis by the New York Post based on FAA data. Incidents of pilots flying into restricted airspace in the area in the last year increased 42 percent over the year before, according to the Post. Violations included flying into temporary restricted areas over Yankee and Shea Stadiums during games, and flying into airspace restricted during visits by President Bush, the Post said. Private pilots weren't the only violators -- on Sept. 18 jets were scrambled when a State Police helicopter violated a presidential TFR. The Post analysis doesn't address whether the number and extent of restricted areas increased over the year.