Waiver Information
November 3, 2008
New International NOTAMs Effective November 1, 2008
Effective November 1, 2008, two new Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) regarding U.S. entry and overflight requirements will become effective. NOTAM 8/3576 will cover U.S. registered aircraft with a maximum certificated takeoff weight of 100,309 pounds or less. Under the new NOTAM, these aircraft are still authorized to operate to or form or within or transit the territorial airspace of the U.S. so long as all applicable regulations governing the flights are met. It will not be necessary for U.S. registered aircraft that are 100,309 pounds or less to obtain an airspace waiver. NOTAM 8/3577 will cover U.S. registered aircraft over 100,309 pounds. Under the new NOTAM, these aircraft must obtain a TSA waiver or be authorized under an approved TSA Aviation Security Program when operating to or from or overflying the territorial airspace of the U.S. For additional information review the NOTAMs:
Operators not meeting the criteria in the NOTAMs must apply for an International Waiver before operating to/from or overflying the territorial airspace of the United States. Visit the TSA Office of Airspace Waivers website for additional information.
The TSA threat level remains at Code Orange, or High, for all commercial aviation operating in or destined for the United States. NBAA urges aircraft operators to maintain vigilance.
Automatic Detection and Processing Terminal (ADAPT): To enhance the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) ability to enforce airspace rules, DHS has implemented a joint program between the FAA, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and TSA known as ADAPT. The ADAPT system serves as a critical advance warning system for air traffic controllers and security personnel by allowing them to validate the identity, threat and movement of aircraft operating worldwide. This system is currently operational and is fully integrated with existing TSA and CBP capabilities, which provides a substantial leap forward in the ability to identify and process aircraft of interest.
TSA Office of Airspace Waivers
Commonly referred to as the "TSA Waiver Office," the TSA Office of Airspace Waivers coordinates the process for operators seeking relief, or waivers, to restrictions to operating to/from the United States or within domestic airspace.
The office hours for the TSA Office of Airspace Waivers are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. The office is closed on US Federal Holidays.
The fax numbers used for submitting all TSA Waiver Applications and related correspondence are:
Primary Fax: (571) 227-1945
Secondary Fax: (571) 227-2948
Waiver request should not be sent to any other TSA fax number unless instructed to do so by the TSA Office of Airspace Waivers.
Waiver requests should be submitted to the TSA Office of Airspace Waivers at least 7 business days prior to the desired departure date to ensure adequate processing time.
If approved, only one approval letter will be faxed back to the operator to the fax number listed on the waiver request form.
International Unit
The International Unit handles waiver requests for relief from FDC 6/7435 (Operations To/From Locations outside the US).
Ada Johnson: 571-227-2392
Linda Robey: 571-227-2281
Domestic Unit
The Domestic Unit handles waiver requests for relief from Special Event NOTAMs, and other domestic restrictions.
Reggie Rhodes: 571-227-1322
Brien Blalock: 571-227-1657
Modifications to Your Waiver/Quality Assurance
Ada Johnson (Modifications): 571-227-2392
Reggie Rhodes (Quality Assurance): 571-227-1322
Waiver Office Administration
Kerwin Wilson , Branch Chief: 571-227-3788
Reggie Rhodes, Deputy Branch Chief: 571-227-1322
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