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CHAPTER CHATTER, EAA Chapter 78 13
Billionaire Paul Allen hopes his
‘ginormous’ Stratolaunch plane will fly
this year
As most of you already know, the FAA has held
continuous TFRs (temporary flight restriction) over both
Disneyland and Walt Disney World since 2001.
Though, 15+ years might be stretching the term SEATTLE — Washington-based company Vulcan
“temporary” just a bit. Either way, the FAA finally Aerospace announced that its Stratolaunch Systems,
decided to add TFR location markings to the respective an air-launch platform for rockets, is close to
VFR charts. Here is a quick breakdown: completion.
First, these TFRs are still in place and operational 24/7. According to Vulcan Aerospace’s website, the
Aircraft must be authorized before entering either TFR. Stratolaunch has a wingspan of 385 ft and measures
Refer to the appropriate TFR notice for details about 238 ft in length. This six-engine aircraft is currently the
entry requirements. world’s largest aircraft.
Second, there are now marked areas on the VFR The aircraft is designed to carry rockets weighing up to
charts to show where the Disney TFRs are likely to be. 275 tons. It would take off with the rocket attached to
Note that the markings on the charts are not flight its belly from a runway and release the rocket when it
restrictions themselves, but merely an indication of reaches 35,000 feet in the air. The rocket then fires its
where a pilot might find a TFR. The official TFR notices own engine and travel towards its orbit.
are still controlling. Therefore, pilots should always get
a pre-flight briefing from an FAA authorized source, According to Financial Review, the company hopes to
and review all TFRs. make air-rocket launch in the low-Earth orbit a routine
commute through the use of the Stratolaunch System.
Third, the markings on the charts do not preclude the
FAA from changing the size and/or shape of the TFRs The Stratolaunch Systems is expected to be completed
without warning. Furthermore, the presence of the by the end of this year and is estimated to start
chart markings does not preclude the FAA from adding commercial services before 2020.
additional TFRs in the same area (e.g. VIP movement.)
Finally, if the FAA decides to later remove the new
markings from the VFR charts, it is not an indication
that the TFRs have been removed. The TFRs are valid
because of their official notice, regardless of any
markings (or lack of markings) on the charts. Always
get a proper briefing and review all TFRs and NOTAMs
for your route of flight and alternates routes.
