News and Updates – FAA Air Traffic Control is Teed Up for The Masters

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is ready for the influx of general aviation flights to Augusta, Ga., for the Masters Tournament in early April. The agency also is cautioning golf fans to do their homework before chartering a flight to the event and ensure it is operated by an FAA-certificated carrier.

The FAA worked closely with federal, state and local agencies, the aviation community, and officials at Augusta National Golf Club to ensure safe, secure and efficient operations at Augusta-area airports.

Air Traffic Management
The FAA anticipates hundreds of additional take-offs and landings and aircraft parked at Augusta-area airportsfrom April 4 to April 12, 2021. Air traffic controllers may use traffic management initiatives to efficiently move flights into Augusta Regional Airport at Bush Field (AGS) and Daniel Field Airport (DNL). Aiken Regional Airport (AIK) in Aiken, S.C., and Thomson-McDuffie County Airport (HQU) in Thomson, Ga., also may see an increase in flights. Traffic management initiatives include rerouting flights, increasing space between aircraft, restricting altitudes and implementing ground stops, and ground delay programs. Air traffic also has established special arrival and departure routes for jet and turboprop aircraft operating at those airports. Details are posted at FAAs Masters Tournament Air Traffic Procedures.

Safe Charter Operation
If you decide to charter an aircraft to fly to the Masters, verify the operators legitimacy before you before you book your flight. Ask to see the Operator’s Air Carrier or Operating Certificate to validate that the aircraft has authorization for charter use.

Illegal air charter operations pose serious safety hazards, and theFAAworks aggressively to identify and shut down rogue operators.Learn more by visitingSafe Air Charter Operations, Chartering an Aircraft, and at A Consumer Guide to Help You Fly Smarter.