by James Fallows

Pitfalls of the Air Defense Identification Zone

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The Air Defense Identification Zone, which has applied to a large area around Washington, D.C., since shortly after 9/11, requires all aircraft to be in constant touch with controllers or else risk being forced down by fighter planes. These rules apply nowhere else in the United States and have virtually swamped the air traffic control system.

The note below comes from a senior official in charge of enforcing these regulations, and reflects the general frustration within the system about the burden of these rules. Yes, I am biased because, as a private pilot based in the D.C. area, I’m subject to this regime. But I’m convinced that if more people knew about it, the preposterousness of the regulations would have brought about their demise.

"For any non-flyers receiving this, if you want to know why we're fired up, try to imagine this scenario...

"Because of the Oklahoma City truck bombing, a rule is passed that everyone within 75 miles of the city must place a call for every car trip they make and give your name, car make, license plate, what time you will be leaving, exactly where you are going.  You will be given a number, which you must write on a card and display in the window for your entire drive.  You will be given a time you can leave, and what roads you are to follow. You will need to call a traffic cop on your cell phone.  They will tell you when you are okay to enter that 75 miles, and then you will talk to them for the entire drive, including following any new instructions.

"Now...

"If you take a wrong turn, fail to display the card properly, fail to follow the traffic cop's instructions, you lose cell phone coverage, or any of a whole host of other things occur, you can lose your drivers license, and possibly be arrested.  If your cell phone signal fades, the traffic cop gives confusing or contradictory instructions, or a little dirt or sun glare makes the card hard to read, that is entirely your problem to correct or deal with the consequences.  If you drive a motorcycle and can't figure a way to mount the card or hear the cell phone over the motor and wind noise, that is your problem.  If you get really lost and blunder into the wrong neighborhood, they might blow up your car with you in it.

"You will have to do this everywhere you go, even if you pull into the street to let your spouse out of the driveway.  This is for every single-destination trip.  If you are running errands, you must treat each leg as a separate trip.  Good luck dealing with them if you plan to depart or arrive anywhere that doesn't have a traditional driveway or parking lot.

"All skateboards, scooters, sleds, wagons, bicycles and tricycles are prohibited within the designated 75 miles.

"Trucks are still allowed right up to the front of the office buildings."

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