Visual Warning System for The Washington Air Defense Identification Zone
Special Notice
A new warning signal for communicating with aircraft is being deployed within the Washington D.C. metropolitan area Air Defense Identification Zone (DC ADIZ,) including the Flight Restricted Zone (FRZ.) The anticipated operational date is May 21, 2005. The signal consists of highly focused red and green colored lights in an alternating red/ red/green signal pattern. This signal may be directed at specific aircraft suspected of making unauthorized entry into the ADIZ/FRZ and are on a heading or flight path that may be interpreted as a threat or that operate contrary to the operating rules for the ADIZ/FRZ.
The beam is not injurious to the eyes of pilots/aircrews or passengers, regardless of altitude or distance from the source. If you are in communication with Air Traffic Control (ATC) and this signal is directed at your aircraft, we advise you to immediately communicate with ATC that you are being illuminated by a visual warning signal. If this signal is directed at you and you are not communicating with ATC, we advise you to turn to a heading away from the center of the FRZ/ADIZ as soon as possible and immediately contact ATC on an appropriate frequency, or if unsure of the frequency, contact ATC on VHF guard 121.5 or UHF guard 243.0.
Be advised that failure to follow the recommended procedures outlined above may result in interception by military aircraft and/or the use of force. This notice applies to all aircraft operating within the ADIZ, including Department of Defense, law enforcement, and aeromedical operations. This notice does not change procedures established for reporting unauthorized laser illumination as published in advisory circular 70-2.
