I recently completed the FAASafety.gov training on the DC SFAR / FRZ that had been updated with the new informtion as of Sep '10.
I've not flown in that area VFR so it was quite the wake-up to the procedures and the new changes.

How have these procedures affected flight training out of airports lying within the DC SFRA? It certainly seems to restrict flexibility of mission (e.g. not being able to leave the tower pattern if it becomes busy with traffic).

For those that fly VFR in the area, have the procedures and new policies streamlined the process over time?

USMCFLYR

 

I don't believe the SFRA has had any effect on the pace of flight training at these airports, compared to the rest of the country. The rental outfits and clubs at Manassas, Leesburg, Gaithersburg, Freeway, and Fort Meade seem to stay busy. Schools at outlying airports, Culpeper comes to mind, sometimes advertise that their pilots don't have to deal with it, but the metro area is where the customers are, so there.

Manassas is the only towered GA airport in the SFRA; even on its best day I don't think it gets that busy.

The process has had no real streamlining, other than that the SFRA (it used to be an ADIZ) shrank significantly a little over two (or three?) years ago and the Leesburg manuevering area was established. Over time, the pilots and ATC have settled into their roles and responsibilities; things go smoothly over 99% of the time.

For new students at these airports, filing the SFRA flight plans and talking to ATC in and out just seems like a normal part of life. For those of us a bit longer in the tooth, it's a tolerable pain in the a$$.

 

I'm going to be flying into the DC in the area in a couple weeks, is there a best airport to use? We want to get to the city center. College Park apparently has a metro station nearby- but from what I've read the paperwork needed to land there needs to be filled out on the ground on site.

 

CGS is most convenient, but, sort of like you indicated, there doesn't seem to be a way for a transient pilot to get vetted without first visiting D.C. Here's the procedure:

TSA: Maryland-Three Program

I'd recommend Freeway Airport. It isn't in the FRZ, and a cab ride to the New Carrollton Metro station shouldn't break the bank. I'd be suprised if the FBO there doesn't offer some help with that.

 

The DC SFRA really isn't a big deal. As long as you file your SFRA flight plan and DON'T squawk 1200, everybody gets along great. Manassas is a good airport to go to to get into the city, I know, I used to instruct there.

 

I teach out of one of the airport in the SFRA and I also fly out of an airport in the FRZ its not really an issue getting a hold of Potomac on the phone can be a challange when the weather is getting iffy or during the busy part of the day but I have been flying out of the DC3 and airport in the SFRA formally DC ADIZ for over 7 years now if you guys have problems or questions send me a PM...