More of a union bulletin, but since a lot of you guys fly around the "DC Three", here's some valuable information:
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ALPA OPERATIONS BULLETIN 2005-05
SUBJECT: Visual Warning System for Protection of Washington, D.C., Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ)
BACKGROUND: The Department of Defense announced last month that it would soon begin using a new laser-based Visual Warning System (VWS) to warn unauthorized, unidentified aircraft when flying into the Washington, D.C. Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) without proper coordination. The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) is responsible for responding to ADIZ intrusions. The VWS is intended to inform pilots that they are to immediately turn away from the ADIZ without the need for NORAD to scramble fighter jets to intercept the intruding aircraft.
The system, which was developed by the U.S. Air Force, tested by the Air Force Research Laboratory in conjunction with the Optical Radiation Branch at Brooks AFB, and uses numerous lasers, is to begin operating on May 21, 2005. The laser projects an alternating red-red-green pattern that is unique and highly visible in day and night operations, even against background clutter. The laser is a low-intensity Class I device, which means that it poses no threat to eye safety at any distance.
ALPA representatives attended a briefing and in-flight demonstration of the system on April 13, 2005. This demonstration confirmed that the lights are highly visible, eye-safe, and should help warn pilots that they have illegally entered the ADIZ. Given the well-known problem of illegal laser use, the intentional use of lasers to provide a government-issued warning may seem to be counter-intuitive, but it is well suited for this particular task.
The VWS is intended for general aviation pilots who are operating in the ADIZ without radio contact and without ATC authorization. If you are operating on a scheduled, IFR flight plan, you should never encounter these lights. However, if you do, contact ATC immediately for clarification.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
. NORAD and FAA guidance on the VWS can be found at the following Internet websites: http://www.norad.mil/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.news_fact_vws, http://www.faa.gov/news/news_home/visual_warning/.
. Pilots are also encouraged to learn more about the VWS per documentation posted on the ALPA website (www.alpa.org), on the members only page, under the Safety/Security tab; included is a brief video clip of the system operating at night.
Please contact the ALPA Engineering & Air Safety Department at 800-424-2470 with questions or comments.
Captain Stephen Luckey, Chairman Captain Terry McVenes
National Security Committee Executive Air Safety Chairman
May 13, 2005
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[ QUOTE ]
ALPA OPERATIONS BULLETIN 2005-05
SUBJECT: Visual Warning System for Protection of Washington, D.C., Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ)
BACKGROUND: The Department of Defense announced last month that it would soon begin using a new laser-based Visual Warning System (VWS) to warn unauthorized, unidentified aircraft when flying into the Washington, D.C. Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) without proper coordination. The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) is responsible for responding to ADIZ intrusions. The VWS is intended to inform pilots that they are to immediately turn away from the ADIZ without the need for NORAD to scramble fighter jets to intercept the intruding aircraft.
The system, which was developed by the U.S. Air Force, tested by the Air Force Research Laboratory in conjunction with the Optical Radiation Branch at Brooks AFB, and uses numerous lasers, is to begin operating on May 21, 2005. The laser projects an alternating red-red-green pattern that is unique and highly visible in day and night operations, even against background clutter. The laser is a low-intensity Class I device, which means that it poses no threat to eye safety at any distance.
ALPA representatives attended a briefing and in-flight demonstration of the system on April 13, 2005. This demonstration confirmed that the lights are highly visible, eye-safe, and should help warn pilots that they have illegally entered the ADIZ. Given the well-known problem of illegal laser use, the intentional use of lasers to provide a government-issued warning may seem to be counter-intuitive, but it is well suited for this particular task.
The VWS is intended for general aviation pilots who are operating in the ADIZ without radio contact and without ATC authorization. If you are operating on a scheduled, IFR flight plan, you should never encounter these lights. However, if you do, contact ATC immediately for clarification.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
. NORAD and FAA guidance on the VWS can be found at the following Internet websites: http://www.norad.mil/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.news_fact_vws, http://www.faa.gov/news/news_home/visual_warning/.
. Pilots are also encouraged to learn more about the VWS per documentation posted on the ALPA website (www.alpa.org), on the members only page, under the Safety/Security tab; included is a brief video clip of the system operating at night.
Please contact the ALPA Engineering & Air Safety Department at 800-424-2470 with questions or comments.
Captain Stephen Luckey, Chairman Captain Terry McVenes
National Security Committee Executive Air Safety Chairman
May 13, 2005
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