The Hudson River Exclusion Zone is a Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA) designed to keep private planes below commercial airspace, ensuring safe and efficient flight operations in the congested airspace around New York City. This comprehensive guide will explore the mandatory reporting points, altitude ranges, airspeed limits, and communication protocols for pilots navigating this unique airspace.
What are the Mandatory Reporting Points and Frequencies in the Hudson River Exclusion Zone?
The Hudson River Exclusion Zone requires pilots to report their position at the following mandatory reporting points:
| Mandatory Reporting Point | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Alpine Tower | 123.05 |
| George Washington Bridge | 123.05 |
| USS Intrepid | 123.05 |
| Colgate Clock | 123.05 |
| Statue of Liberty | 123.05 |
| Verrazano Bridge | 123.05 |
Pilots must self-announce their aircraft type, current position, direction of flight, and altitude on the Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF) 123.05 at each of these mandatory reporting points.
What are the Altitude Ranges and Airspeed Limits in the Hudson River Exclusion Zone?
The Hudson River Exclusion Zone has specific altitude ranges and airspeed limits for different types of operations:
Transient Operations
- Altitude Range: 1,000 ft up to, but not including, 1,300 ft MSL
- Airspeed Limit: Not more than 140 knots
Local Operations
- Altitude Range: Surface up to, but not including, 1,000 ft MSL
- Airspeed Limit: Not more than 140 knots
Pilots must adhere to these altitude ranges and airspeed limits to ensure the safe and efficient flow of traffic within the Hudson River Exclusion Zone.
How do Pilots Request Clearance and Communicate with ATC in the Hudson River Exclusion Zone?
Pilots must obtain clearance from air traffic control (ATC) before entering the Hudson River Exclusion Zone. The process for requesting clearance and communicating with ATC is as follows:
Requesting Clearance
- Contact LaGuardia Tower on 126.05 or 263.00 for authorization to fly in the Hudson River Exclusion Zone.
- Contact Newark Tower on 127.85 for northbound clearance.
Communication Protocols
- Self-announce position on CTAF 123.05 at each mandatory reporting point, including aircraft type, current position, direction of flight, and altitude.
- Use clear and concise language when communicating with ATC to ensure effective coordination and understanding.
Adhering to these communication protocols is crucial for maintaining the safety and efficiency of the Hudson River Exclusion Zone.