General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsWTF!?! - Why Does Exxon Control the No-Fly Zone Over Arkansas Tar Sands Spill?
Exxon's Unfriendly Skies: Why Does Exxon Control the No-Fly Zone Over Arkansas Tar Sands Spill?
http://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_3_8699.html
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has had a "no fly zone" in place in Mayflower, Arkansas since April 1 at 2:12 PM and will be in place "until further notice," according to the FAA website and it's being overseen by ExxonMobil itself. In other words, any media or independent observers who want to witness the tar sands spill disaster have to ask Exxon's permission.
Mayflower is the site of the recent major March 29 ExxonMobil Pegagus tar sands pipeline spill, which belched out an estimated 5,000 barrels of tar sands diluted bitumen ("dilbit" into the small town's neighborhoods, causing the evacuation of 22 homes.
The rules of engagement for the no fly zone dictate that no aircraft can fly within 1,000 feet of the ground in the five-mile radius surrounding the ExxonMobil Pegasus tar sands pipeline spill. The area located within this radius includes the nearby Pine Village Airport.
The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette revealed that the FAA site noted earlier today that "only relief aircraft operations under direction of Tom Suhrhoff" were allowed within the designated no fly zone.
MORE:
http://www.desmogblog.com/2013/04/03/exxon-s-skies-why-does-exxon-control-no-fly-zone-over-arkansas-tar-sands-spill
niyad
(113,259 posts)Betsy Ross
(3,147 posts)FirstLight
(13,360 posts)because the OIL Companies control it ALL...
When the oil corporations make more than a Nation, what else can be expected.
snooper2
(30,151 posts)The fly zone restriction is from 0-1000 feet AGL
Fumesucker
(45,851 posts)That is the question.
arcane1
(38,613 posts)They are "overseeing" it (whatever that means) because (hopefully!) the priority is to clean this damned mess up!
Like I said, I am NOT defending them, but I don't consider this to be all that suspicious, if what they are saying is true. It does, however, warrant close scrutiny. As mentioned in another post, they could use this as an excuse to chase off the press, and we are right to suspect it, but it remains to be seen if that is what's happening.
yourout
(7,527 posts)Remember that from my student pilot days.
Also remember having to check for TFRs before every flight.
Never finished up and got my Private Pilot. It just got to expensive.
Gravitycollapse
(8,155 posts)It likely represents an attempt to free up low flying aircraft used in the clean up.
Autumn
(45,056 posts)That would be my guess.
snooper2
(30,151 posts)from helicopter 2000 foot up
Cleita
(75,480 posts)I have no idea how we are going to stop them without an army because our military seems to work for them.
arcane1
(38,613 posts)I'm sure they need the airport to efficiently fly people and supplies in, and want to avoid it and the immediate area becoming too crowded, and 1,000 feet isn't that much. Planes could still fly over, and take pictures and video, without interfering with the urgent clean-up efforts.
I just don't want this to be used as an excuse for a media blackout
Kablooie
(18,626 posts)Granted they have to share it with other corporations but they are legitimate owners of the US government so they can do anything they want as long as the other owners don't complain.
You and other voters don't own this country so you have no right to say anything against it.
DonCoquixote
(13,616 posts)of why keystone is a bad idea?
Webster Green
(13,905 posts)The Coast Guard (as well as law enforcement) was used by BP to keep the media away. I remember it well.
That's one of the big reasons I don't care that much for the president. His handling of the gulf disaster was horrible.
Petroleum corporations are pretty much in charge of everything, including our government.