Updated July 12, 2016

FAA Releases Flight Advisory with Temporary Flight Restriction Information for Upcoming RNC

2016 Republican National Convention (RNC) – Cleveland, OH

An FAA flight advisory outlining the details of the temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) has been released for the Cleveland, OH area during the Republican National Convention (RNC) on July 17 to 21. Below, operators will find information on the individual TFRs, along with TSA screening procedures and gateway airport information.

Members are strongly advised to check NOTAMS in advance of any flights to Cleveland during the convention. View FAA NOTAMs.

In summary, general aviation operations are prohibited at the following airports during the specified dates and times:

Cleveland Burke Lakefront Airport (BKL)

  • July 17: 6 p.m. local (2200z) until July 22 3 a.m. local (0700z)

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE)

  • July 17: 6 p.m. until 10:30 p.m. (2200z-18/0230z)
  • July 18: 10 a.m. until July 19 1 a.m. (1400z-19/0500z)
  • July 19: 2 p.m. until July 20 1 a.m. (1800z-20/0500z)
  • July 20: 2 p.m. until July 21 1 a.m. (1800z-21/0500z)
  • July 21: 2 p.m. until July 22 3 a.m. (1800z-22/0700z)

A cut out in the TFR will allow general aviation operations at all times during the RNC event both in and out of Cuyahoga County Airport (CGF).

View the FAA flight advisory for the RNC temporary flight restrictions. (PDF)

Gateway Airport Information

Aircraft not operating under a TSA-approved standard security program, who wish to arrive or depart CLE or BKL while the TFR is in effect, can arrange for TSA screening. However, TSA screening must be arranged at least 24 hours in advance of the planned arrival or departure by calling TSA at 614-239-3015.

For arrivals into CLE and BKL, TSA screening can be arranged at Youngstown Airport (YNG) or Akron/Canton Airport (CAK), which are the gateways for this TFR.

For departures out of CLE and BKL, screening must occur immediately prior to departure. The official times that TSA screening will be available will be released in the NOTAM.

TSA screening is expected to be available at CLE, BKL, YNG and CAK during the following times:

  • July 18 from 10 a.m. to midnight
  • July 19 to 21 from 2 p.m. to midnight

General Information on Gateway Airport Operations

As noted above, all aircraft requiring security screening at a gateway airport must register with the TSA telephonically at least 24 hours prior to the planned flight.

TSA security screening at the gateway locations will consist of ID verification of all passengers and crew, watchlist matching, physical screening of persons and baggage and inspection of the aircraft. Positive pilot identification procedures will be in effect during this TFR.

Special ATC procedures and routes to and from the airport may be assigned prior to departure from a gateway airport. Upon departing the gateway airport, all aircraft must be on a VFR or IFR flight plan, maintain radio contact with ATC and continuously squawk an ATC-assigned discrete transponder code. Intermediate stops are not authorized unless there is an emergency.

If an intermediate stop occurs, aircraft will be required to return to a gateway airport to be re-screened prior to continuing flight into the TFR.