“Dear PoPville,
Hoping someone might have some ideas….
There has been a strange plane flying circles over NW DC/Bethesda down to 395 & back for the last 20 minutes or so, I’ve been watching it on Flight Rader & it’s stayed between 5,000-5,300 ft.
It’s passed within hearing distance of me about 6 times.
In any event, since it’s in restricted airspace & I don’t see/hear any fighter jets chasing it, I have to assume it’s Gov’t, but who & for what reason.”
Photo by airbus777
“Dear PoPville,
Any reports of what it’s like to fly American Eagle from #DCA right now, is it still #35X and a crowded bus?”
WMATAstuff replied: “Nope 35X is gone once and for all. They’ve been moved into the main terminal while they finish the new gate 35X terminal.”
UPDATE: Official word from the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority:
“American Airlines continues to operate several flights a day using Gate 35X. Once the new concourse, which is currently under construction, opens next year, then flights will stop operating from Gate 35X.”
From DCA:
“With the demolition and removal of office buildings and aircraft hangars that once occupied the north end of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, the palette is clearing for the construction of a New Commuter Concourse that will replace passenger movement through the infamously congested Gate 35X. Presently, six thousand passengers a day journey through 35X, boarding buses that drive them to remotely parked aircraft. When the new concourse opens in 2021, 14 gates with jetbridges will replace the busing system, and the less-than-pleasing traits of Gate 35X will be retired.” (more…)
From Alert DC:
“Department of Defense will be conducting authorized fly over in the National Capitol Region for a Falcon Virgo Exercise (weather permitting). The exercise is scheduled for Wednesday (11/18/09) between 12:00 Mid Night to 2:00 AM.”