Small, private planes get go-ahead to fly over Boston

By Douglas Belkin, Globe Staff, 12/20/2001

The federal government yesterday allowed pilots of small private airplanes to fly once again over Boston, three months after airspace was severely restricted because of the terrorist attacks.

With the exception of avoiding airspace above a propane tank northwest of Boston's Logan International Airport, and keeping a 3-mile distance from college and professional sporting events, small aircraft can resume flight patterns from before Sept. 11.

US Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta said the resumption of flights ''reinforces our commitment to getting America back to business while maintaining the highest standards of safety and security.''

Boston is one of three cities that still have some restrictions. In New York, private aircraft will not be allowed to fly within 2 nautical miles of ground zero, and in Washington, D.C., a 15-mile restriction remains in place around the city.

With yesterday's announcement, blimps, helicopters, planes trailing banners, and sight-seeing aircraft will all be free to again fly over Boston. Aircraft must stay at least 1,000 feet above the tallest building and 2,000 feet to the side of it, according to Arlene Salac, spokeswoman for the Federal Aviation Administration.

The helicopters for most area media organizations received waivers from the FAA at the beginning of the month and have been able to fly through Boston as long as they don't hover over any one location, said Peter Brown, the news director at WBZ-TV.

At least three small airports in Beverly, Norwood, and Bedford also received waivers two weeks ago that enabled them to get back to business.

This story ran on page B5 of the Boston Globe on 12/20/2001.
© Copyright 2001 Globe Newspaper Company.
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