Air Travel

Friday is the Nats Home Opener – HEADS UP – There will be a flyover with FOUR F-16C Fighting Falcons.

By Prince Of Petworth


photo by Eric P.

People are gonna ask, what the hell was that? Now you can tell ’em. Tell ’em PoPville told you. And go Nats!!

Ed. Note: Unrelated but “The U.S. Military will conduct an Aircraft Flyover in the NCR over Arlington National Cemetery, on Friday, April 3, at approximately 3:05PM.

From the Nationals:

“The Washington Nationals will celebrate Opening Day at Nationals Park on Friday, April 3, with a 1:05 p.m. matchup against the defending World Series Champion Los Angeles Dodgers. Ballpark gates open at 11:00 a.m., and fans are encouraged to be in their seats by 12:15 p.m. to enjoy the pregame ceremonies. The weekend fun will continue on Saturday, April 4, as the Nationals and Budweiser are throwing a 21st Birthday Celebration with special activities and giveaways for fans to enjoy.

Ahead of Friday’s home opener, the Nationals will celebrate baseball’s place in our country’s 250-year history with a special ceremonial first pitch featuring a number of individuals who have helped grow the game. Additionally, the U.S. Army Ceremonial Band will perform the national anthem, America the Beautiful and God Bless America; a representative from Boeing will deliver the game’s lineup card to umpires at home plate; and Mayor Muriel Bowser will give the call to ‘Play Ball!’ The Opening Day pregame ceremonies will also feature 250 military members creating a tunnel in center field for starting lineup and manager introductions; our nation’s colors presented by Joint Armed Forces Color Guard; a giant American flag unfurling in the outfield; and a flyover from four F-16C Fighting Falcons from the 121st Fighter Squadron, D.C. Air National Guard.

Before the start of the game, (more…)

“If you’re flying in or out tonight, expect delays. Please reach out to your airline with specific flight questions.” Yikes

By Prince Of Petworth


photo by Tim Brown

DCA posted at 6:44pm: “If you’re flying in or out tonight, expect delays. Please reach out to your airline with specific flight questions.”

Department of Transportation Secretary Secretary Sean Duffy posted at 6:19pm:

“🚨BREAKING🚨 GROUND STOP CURRENTLY AT THE FOLLOWING AIRPORTS:

⚠️ Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
⚠️ Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
⚠️ Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI)
⚠️ Richmond International Airport (RIC)

@FAANews is working to address the source of a strong odor coming from Potomac TRACON that is impacting operations at the three airports.

For the most up to date information on your flight status, visit here.

UPDATE: The ground stop is over and operations have resumed.

Firefighters from Fauquier County and Prince William County confirm there is no danger to air traffic controllers, and they are returning to the Potomac TRACON. The source of the strong odor was traced to a circuit board that overheated, and it was replaced.

Thank you for your patience as we get flights up and running again “

WMATA “testing a removable bollard” in front of an escalator “to encourage customers with large bags to use the elevator instead.” Will it work?

By Prince Of Petworth

WMATA shares: “Safety first! At Washington Dulles International Airport station, we’re testing a removable bollard in front of the escalator to encourage customers with large bags to use the elevator instead. The initiative is aimed at reducing trips and falls caused by bags on escalators and improving safety for everyone moving through the station.”

Great idea or terrible idea?

The first reaction seems to favor the latter:

“They will just hold everyone up, lifting the bag over the pole.”

Do you think it’ll work?

Colada Shop Opens an Airport Outpost at DCA!

By Prince Of Petworth


“DCA — Terminal 2, C Gates (airside)”

Big day for new coffee shop outposts continues!

From an email:

“Colada Shop has opened its first-ever airport location, bringing its signature Cuban coffee, cocktails, and all-day bites to travelers flying through Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). Open from first flight to last, the new outpost delivers the brand’s warm, vibrant hospitality in an on-the-go setting.”

Full press release: (more…)

Meanwhile over Meridian Hill/Malcolm X Park – V-22 Ospreys?!?

By Prince Of Petworth

I suppose we should prepare for more sightings…

Thanks to P. for sending earlier this afternoon:

“Ospreys over Adams Morgan. Then these two planes flew east over Meridian Hill Park a few minutes ago.”

Anyone else see these V-22 Ospreys?

From Wikipedia:

“The Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey is an American multi-use, tiltrotor military transport and cargo aircraft with both vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) and short takeoff and landing (STOL) capabilities. (more…)

Mayor Bowser: “deeply concerned about the provision included in the NDAA which would allow military departments to authorize training missions in DC’s already crowded and complex airspace.”

By Prince Of Petworth

From the Mayor’s Office:

“Mayor Muriel Bowser issued the following statement in opposition to Section 373 of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which would expand military access to Washington, DC’s airspace:

“I am deeply concerned about the provision included in the NDAA which would allow military departments to authorize training missions in DC’s already crowded and complex airspace. Following the tragic crash over the Potomac River in January, federal agencies including the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the U.S. Department of Transportation issued urgent safety recommendations and implemented measures to protect everyone flying to and from our nation’s capital. This provision disregards those efforts and reverses the progress we’ve made. (more…)

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