Lawmakers urge FAA to reimburse businesses affected by presidential TFRs
AOPA advocating for airports; presidential safety, security
Two members of Congress have asked the FAA to reimburse businesses affected by temporary flight restrictions that are “effectively shutting down general aviation airports” during presidential visits.
AOPA has been the leading advocate in Washington, D.C., to try and minimize the impact of presidential TFRs on businesses at airports. As a result, Congress allocated $3.5 million in 2019 to help them offset their losses. Since then, AOPA has continued to work with Congress, which has provided reimbursement funding on an annual basis.
On April 1, the two representatives sent a letter to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and acting FAA Administrator Chris Rocheleau, asking that the FAA open a Notice of Funding Opportunity for airport businesses impacted by the closure of the airport because of a presidential TFR to apply for reimbursement funding. Congress provided $3.5 million through September 30, the end of the fiscal year.
“When the President is at his residences in our districts, TFRs are put in place for his safety, effectively shutting down general aviation airports in our districts... These closures severely disrupt operations and result in millions in lost revenue for the small businesses that operate out of these airports and employ hundreds of people,” the letter states.
“Protecting national security and supporting small businesses should not be mutually exclusive... While Temporary Flight Restrictions are critical for the President’s safety, they can also impose significant financial hardships on local airports and aviation businesses,” said Kean.
“Protecting the President is a responsibility we all share, regardless of political affiliation,” said Frankel. “But it’s the federal government—not local businesses or airports—that should bear the cost of these necessary security measures.”
“We appreciate Reps. Kean and Frankel working across the aisle on this issue,” said AOPA President Darren Pleasance. “The security of the president, no matter which party they belong to, remains paramount. At the same time, it is essential that local airport businesses receive the support they need, particularly when they are forced to close because of their proximity to the president’s residence.”
