Online TFR Checks - Site Reminder

[CraginS]

Reminder:
The FAA does not provide NOTAMS on-line: you have to call a briefer at 1-800-WX-BRIEF. However, the military has a site that appears to be updated frequently enough to be reliably used for determining High Rock's status. The site is:

https://www.notams.jcs.mil

Enter KZDC, which is the code for the ARTCC (air route) to Washington DC, in the ICAO box, then hit the View NOTAMs button. Using local airport codes like KHGR for Hagerstown or MD98 for Fort Richie will NOT produce the Thurmont MD advisory, if in effect.

In the resulting list of route advisories, scroll down (or search the page for thurmont) the entire list to check for any marked for Thurmont. You are likely to see a 25-mile restriction in effect around all of Washington DC. You will only see the P-40 restriction if the prohibited area has been enlarged as described above.
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This information is on the CHGPA site in the Site Information area at
http://chgpa.org/SiteInfo/hrock.p40.notams.html

[Larry Huffman]

Craigin,

I think if you go to this FAA site you can find the TFRs and notams. http://tfr.faa.gov/tfr_map_ims/html/index.html

Larry

[Danny Brotto]

I call WX BRIEF and speak with a briefer. After the brief, I ask for his/her ID. The briefer will give you their initials. They may ask for your ID (your "N" number). You can tell them you are operating an ultralight under Part 103.

I prefer speaking with a briefer since it is more real-time and available than the internet. Also the calls are recorded and if there is a problem, there will be a record of the conversation with the briefer.

Don't penetrate the TFR expecting it to have expired! Like today, POTUS movement was delayed (likely due to weather in NY.) Get a confimed brief that the TFR is expired.

Danny Brotto

[CraginS]

Larry,
Great link. Thank you. The page on our site was put together about 7 or 8 years ago, before the FAA provided that service. I had stumbled into the jcs.mil site when doing some stuff for work.

Danny,
Excellent point about confirming real time with an FAA briefer on the phone. Those details you provide are spot on.
I think that the best plan is to use one of the web sites to see if it is worth even loading the car and heading out, then calling 800-WX-BRIEF from launch to be sure it is still OK to fly.

I'll get with MarkC about editing the site page to include both new pieces of information and advice.

Thanks to both you guys for the high-experience advice.