need your help.

I have a flight coming up departing KBED and going to KIAD (Dulles for the few who do not know) and I have zero experience in the ADIZ

My thoughts were just to file IFR and that should take care of it from the start but I have no idea.

Not sure if flight following with a discrete code would get the job done or not. If an IFR flight plan is 100% and will prevent me from eternally losing my license then that is a simple solution to a complicated problem.


For those of you with experience can you help me out?

When I flew out of the ADIZ, I just filed IFR.

Give AOPA a call if you're a member. They have a ton of good stuff on the ADIZ since they're offices are in it.

I go to DCA all the time and it can be a little intimidating at first. Now its just plain fun, River vis 19 yeehah However, there are a lot of restrictions. File IFR, and be very aware of you surroundings. They tend to get excited if you fly, like over the capital or whitehouse. Also, no more passcode to get in so that helps.

File IFR, and don't cancel when you get the airport in sight. This will solve all your problems.

why would you be flying a VFR flight to Dulles airport anyway? If you are flying a training flight you are better off going to Manassas (KHEF).

If you file IFR you wont have any problems. Dont forget you cant squawk 1200 in the ADIZ NO MATTER WHAT!!! That will earn you an automatic 30 day suspension.

If you are VFR with a discrete code, you need to hear the words "Radar Contact", Procede on Course" or Transponder Observed" before entering the ADIZ. ATC will never say "you are cleared into the ADIZ" because to them it is not a clearance. Of course, there is nothing wrong with asking yourself "Verify i am cleared into the ADIZ, and ususally most of them will say "yes sir, you are radar contact". EVery now and then you'll get on of the controllers who will respond "Sir it is not a clearance, but your transponder is observed". This whole paragraph is VFR only.

And finally, be careful of the FREEZE or FRZ zone. That is the white 10 mile or 15 mile ring around DCA. It comes close to Dulles. It is your resonsibility to avoid it at all times (if you are VFR). IF you are IFR, then it is up to ATC if they want you to avoid it or not. Penalty for busting the FRZ ring is rough, usually start with a 30 day automatic suspension. Most GPS's depict the ADIZ rings, and the inner FRZ ring.

Flying in and out of the ADIZ the first time makes anyone a little nervous, but once you do it you'll realize how simple it is.

Good luck sarg.

Thanks alot for the info...I am going to Dulles because I have a specific reason to be there so an outlying will not work and also for that reason I think it backs up the ifr plan for ease of entry. It is nice to just get dropped off at the IAF and get cleared not to mention the whole ADIZ thing. Also for not squawking 1200 that will also be easy if I am IFR because you never drop the code until on the ground anyway.

Thanks alot for your help. Ill let you know how it works out, it will be boring but I will still let you know

ADIZ update...

went there yesterday and really have nothing to report. On an IFR flight plan there was no difference at all from any other IFR flight. If it was not for the ADIZ on the MFD I would have not even noticed


also on a side note did everyone see that effect yesterday the DC ADIZ has finally shrunk? It is no longer mickeymouse it is now just a 30 dme ring

The ADIZ is no problem if you're IFR. It did change just yesterday...different dimensions and rules for VFR traffic, but that shouldn't worry you.

Also, keep in mind that if you go to Dulles, the landing fee for a 172 or similar at Landmark Aviation is $38 no matter what time you get there. It's a great place to go if you aren't paying :-)

Couple of years ago I applied for and got a personal identification number from the local FAA office at Dulles so I could fly into VKX and the other Maryland 3 airports as a vfr aircraft. I never used it, but recently I checked and one is still supposed to file a vfr flight plan on the ground before coming or going, get a squawk code, and give them a pin number. I would be curious how well it works if anybody out there has used it.

All IFR operators that fly into some of the outlying fields (outside of the ADIZ) should note the new VFR speed restrictions (230 knots) within the 60 NM ring from the DCA VOR. This could impact folks that fly into places like Stafford County airport and cancel VFR in the airport area.