FAA Enforces Year-Round Flight Restrictions Around Mar-a-Lago

Residents of Palm Beach County are now subject to new airspace restrictions as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has implemented a 24/7 flight prohibition around Mar-a-Lago. This directive, effective immediately, is a response to heightened security concerns, particularly following a recent investigation by the FBI into a suspicious structure located near the presidential flight path.

Under the new regulations, aircraft are barred from operating within a one nautical mile radius of Mar-a-Lago at all times, regardless of whether former President Donald Trump is present. Palm Beach County Commissioner Gregg Weiss stated, “There’s nothing we can do, quite frankly. This is a decision made by the FAA. We’re going to have to get used to it because we’re going to be living with it.” The permanent restrictions mark a departure from earlier temporary measures that were enforced only during presidential visits.

Impact on Local Air Traffic

The changes are anticipated to significantly affect flight patterns for aircraft arriving at and departing from Palm Beach International Airport (PBIA). Residents in communities north of the airport’s primary east-west runway may notice an increase in air traffic and associated noise levels. Weiss noted that there will be additional Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) enacted when Trump is in town, which will complicate air traffic further.

The TFRs include an inner core zone with a 10-nautical-mile radius around PBIA, imposing strict limitations on general aviation and drone operations. An outer ring extends from 10 to 30 nautical miles, implementing further restrictions and procedural requirements for approved flights. These measures are designed to bolster security but may result in increased noise for local neighborhoods.

On October 16, 2023, just days before the enforcement of the new restrictions, the Secret Service discovered a wooden “hunting stand” hidden in a treeline, located approximately 600 yards from the area where Trump deplanes from Air Force One at PBIA. The structure, described as a small elevated platform, was uncovered during a routine security sweep.

Community Reactions and Noise Complaints

The Palm Beach County Department of Airports has expressed concerns about a potential rise in noise complaints due to these changes. Residents affected by the new airspace rules are urged to reach out to the Noise Abatement Office at 561-683-7242 or provide feedback online through the PBI Noise Comment Portal. Further information regarding TFRs and airspace regulations can be found on the PBI Temporary Flight Restrictions page.

Local communities, particularly Grandview Heights and Flamingo Park in West Palm Beach, may experience some of the most significant impacts from the rerouted air traffic. One resident from Flamingo Park, Brandon Easter, commented, “It’s a lot more than it normally is. That’s mildly inconvenient. If it’s all the time, that’s going to suck.”

As the new restrictions take hold, Palm Beach County residents will have to adjust to the ongoing changes in their airspace, balancing security needs with the realities of increased air traffic and noise.