Everything below is our UNOFFICIAL plain english translation of the required procedures. For the official procedures to get clearance to fly into College Park, please visit:
http://www.tsa.gov/what_we_do/tsnm/general_aviation/programs_sp.shtm#maryland
Editor's note: Apparently the TSA has decided that it is in their best interest that their interpretation of their procedures remain secret, as all of the searchable links on their web page regarding the "Maryland Three" (that pilots know as the DC-3) are now dead links. We are working to resolve this issue.
Here is our version of all of this.
Yes, you no longer have to watch the security video! (Although you still need to sign the part of the PIN Issuance Form that says you did...)
Instead, print out your graduation certificate from The FAA's Online SFRA course.
This link contains the search results for various courses on the SFRA. Note the "description" icon, and move your mouse over each one. The label will tell you if the course satisfies the requirement.
http://faasafety.gov/search/Default.aspx?keywords=SFRA&searchCategoryId=-1
Please note that you need to register at FAASafety.gov to take it, but there's lots of good stuff to check out there.
This needs to be done before the FSDO visit.
Remember that this course is now mandatory for ALL pilots flying in or near the SFRA.
Call the Baltimore FSDO at 410-787-0040, and request an appointment for them to examine your paperwork.
The FAA Inspector who meets you will want to see four things:
The Baltimore FSDO is located here.
The FSDO will NOT sign the PIN Issuance Form. They notify the TSA electronically. Do not panic. Just write the date of your visit on your form.
Note: If you are looking for a PIN code out of Hyde or Potomac, use the Dulles FSDO.
| Mon-Fri | 7:30am-noon, and 1pm-3pm |
| CLOSED on federal holidays. | |
The office is in Terminal A. You can take the Metro from College Park to the National Airport Station, by taking the Green Line to the Yellow Line.
If you are coming from Downtown DC or College Park (on a Huntington or Franconia-bound train), head right as you get off the train.
If you are coming from Alexandria or Springfield (on a Largo or New Carrollton-bound train), head left as you get off the train.
Go down the escalator, exit the metro station.
In front of you, there will be a flight information wall with a bunch of TV screens, turn left and head down the hallway
At the end of that hallway and turn right following signs for terminal A
Continue down the hallway until you come to a stair case with a signs that says "ID's" on it and head down those stairs
The fingerprinting office is right there, go inside and tell them you are there for the College Park Airport Vetting and they will take care of you!"
Show your PIN Issuance Form, with your parts of it completed, to the representative, and they will fingerprint you, and give you a questionnaire to fill out. You must pay $27.00 for the privilege. The fingerprinting technician may ask for processing codes which are "SON=644F" and "SOI=TD30." These codes are important, make sure that they get them!
The DCA fingerprinting rep no longer needs to sign your PIN Issuance Form. Just write on the form the date that you were there. (The TSA knows everything about you. They don't need a signature to prove it.)
*Note: If you choose to drive, keep your parking ticket with you, and the Fingerprinting office will validate it for you.
*Note: The fingerprinting office is often asking for TWO forms of ID, despite the fact that their site does not advertise it. Please bring something in addition to your driver's license in case they do. We have had a pilot get turned away because of this.
Come to the airport to turn in your now completed PIN Issuance Form here, (and we'll give you a copy for your records) and then call you back when your PIN number comes through. The TSA says anywhere from 1-8 weeks, but the average of late has been 3-4 weeks. We usually get our new PIN numbers on Friday evenings, so the best time to call us and inquire about the status of your PIN number is either Saturday or Monday. If you call us too early on Friday, we'll just give you a dumb look over the phone!
You must file your FRZ flight plan with the Lockheed Martin Washington Hub (which currently comprises briefers in Raleigh, NC and Leesburg, VA.) Dial their direct number at 866-225-7410. Do NOT use the national 800-WX-BRIEF number, do NOT use DUATs, and do NOT try to file in the air, or you will NOT pass Go!
Your PIN code is also valid for flights into Hyde (Washington Executive) and Potomac Airfields. Just make sure that the briefer knows that your PIN code is listed with the College Park codes, as they have a separate page for codes "based" at each airport.
From here, you'll fly in just like any other SFRA flight. Get your squawk code before you enter the SFRA, and keep it all the way to the ground here in College Park. ATC *might* direct you over either Freeway or Tipton airports. If ATC forces you to fly too far out of your way, please let the staff know about it. We're keeping track of this, in an effort to reduce unwanted detours.
Departing CGS, once you've filed your super double-secret probationary flight plan, is just like departing any other field in the SFRA. Call Potomac (we have the number posted all over the terminal) for your squawk code, and you're good to go.
Please note that Hyde and Potomac have a couple of unique procedures that differ from College Park. We strongly advise that you give them a call before you fly in, to discuss.
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