Security changes at ORH, and DNC TFR

There are significant security changes coming this month at Worcester. As of July 1st, based pilots should make an appointment at Airport Operations to get a new proximity type photo badge. Call Ron Stella at 508 799-1350. The new badge will require a PIN code to activate the vehicle or walk-in gate for entry or exit from the field. The badge is good for 2 years, and will be free for pilots who already have vehicle access. However pilots with walk-on access will require a fingerprinting and a FBI Criminal History Records Check (CHRC) before the badge will be issued. This includes student pilots. Once a student pilot has soloed, they will not be allowed airfield access until they are badged. The CHRC costs $50.

Worcester has been designated the airport for landing pilots who have strayed into the TFR space during the DNC. So expect ORH to be tightly controlled with Secret Service, TSA, and other security forces present at various times. Also expect F-16 activity in the airspace. This is not the time to go wandering around without proper badge and credentials.

Speaking of the TFR, lets not have any pilots, especially WAPA pilots getting caught by the TFR. The 30 mile ring penetrates the airspace used by some instrument approaches into ORH. Pumpp, Whybe, Dewee and Bosox are all inside the TFR. Gozer is less than 3 miles from the TFR, so exceeding a 1 minute procedure turn at 90 knots by just a bit will ruin your day! Even with a flight plan, practice approaches are prohibited inside the TFR! Best to stay West of ORH.

The best thing to remember is that surprises are bad. TFR procedures require you on a flight plan, IFR or VFR, and in radio contact with ATC. If you stray into the 30 mile space without meeting those requirements, you can expect to have a close encounter with an F-16. There are a lot of other restrictions, so be sure to check out those TFRs.