The anniversary of one of the nation’s darkest days, Sept. 11, is only a few days away. As the United States government continues to try and prevent any future attacks, one of its agencies, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), is considering flight restrictions over New York City, Washington, D.C., and Somerset County, Pa., where four hijacked planes were crashed.
FAA spokeswoman Laura Brown said in a CNN report that the restrictions would include these areas simply as a precaution, since there will be ceremonies in the areas on Sept. 11. She said no specific threat caused these proposals to be considered.
According to the report, restrictions would prevent aircrafts from flying below 18,000 feet in a 60 mile diameter around each of the three locations. This includes regional and commuter flights, which fly at lower altitudes than longer flights.
The restrictions would not affect regular commercial domestic flights flying outside of these areas.
If these restrictions do go through, they will be in effect only on Sept. 11 in Washington, D.C., and Somerset County, Pa., from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., respectively.
In New York, however, the restrictions would be in effect for Sept. 11 through 13.