The union representing around 16,000 American Airlines pilots issued a reminder to its members last week to avoid overflying the restricted airspace over Washington.
Secret Service agents visited one captain at his home after he breached the airspace.
In a memo to its pilots last week that was viewed by AirlineGeeks, the Allied Pilots Association warned members of the consequences for violating the heavily restricted P-56 airspace around the White House. “Your career is at risk,” the APA’s Safety Committee said Friday.
American maintains a hub at Reagan National Airport, which is just a few miles from the White House and Capitol. The airline also has a pilot base at the airport.
“Despite extensive training and outreach, for both the B737 and A32F fleets, incursions through the White House prohibited area, P-56, continue to occur,” the union added.
When departing to the north, aircraft leaving Reagan National are required to make an immediate left turn to avoid this airspace. The P-56 includes areas surrounding the White House, the National Mall, and the Naval Observatory.
“Treat P-56 as if it were a mountain,” the union’s memo stated.
For over 50 years, no aircraft have been allowed through this airspace, which extends up to 18,000 feet. Very few exceptions exist, mostly for flight operations supporting the president or other agency operations.
