Is this new change TFR wording the result of our new Administrator
who, unlike the previous one, holds an airmens certificate?
While I believe those airmen who fail to get a briefing immediately
before departing, or who fail to concern themselves with current
airspace information published on Sectional Charts, or otherwise
display wanton negligence and disregard for FAA regulations may
deserve criminal prosecution, such criminal charges against a pilot
whose inadvertent violation of a TFR results in no harm nor hazard to
persons nor property seems inappropriate to me.
CRIMINAL REFERENCE IN TFRS RANKLES AOPA
(
http://www.avweb.com/eletter/archive...ll.html#196411)
AOPA says it's concerned about a not-so-subtle change in the
wording of the text descriptions of temporary flight restrictions
(TFRs). The FAA is now warning pilots they could be held
criminally responsible for violating TFRs. AOPA says the agency
has always had that ability but seeing it in black and white
raises the specter that those powers will actually be employed.
AOPA President Phil Boyer has written the FAA asking that pilots
who accidentally bust TFRs not face criminal proceedings.
http://www.avweb.com/eletter/archive...ll.html#196411
Further, if legal balance is to be maintained, it would seem only
equitable that FSS briefers who fail to brief TFRs should also be
subject to criminal proceedings.