Gary-James Knight recently became the first general aviation pilot to enter the most restrictive airspace in the United States since 9/11. Months and months of work alongside the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association were required to make the improbable flight happen, but it took place earlier this month!
A POV video posted to Knight’s TikTok will take you inside the rarely-seen airspace, which really puts the security measures into perspective.
Admittedly, I was not knowledgable of the P-56 airspace in Washington, D.C. before this video came across my feed. However, upon watching the 60-second account of the flight, I completely understand why it is so protected. Getting to see Knight’s flight first-hand (through a screen) is pretty epic.
P-56A covers approximately the area west of the Lincoln Memorial to east of the Capitol and between Independence Avenue and K Street up to 18,000 feet. P-56B covers a small circle with a radius of about one nautical mile surrounding the Naval Observatory on Massachusetts Avenue up to 18,000 feet.
Included in that space is the White House, National Mall, and vice president’s residence, among other important and historic pieces of United States history both past and present. The only aircraft that are consistently allowed to fly within these prohibited areas are specially authorized flights that are in direct support of the U.S. Secret Service, the Office of the President, or one of several government agencies with missions that require air support within P-56.
These restrictions have been in effect for about 50 years and rarely see exception. Especially since the tragic events in 2001.
Knight’s flight was part of a much larger event, primarily organized by the AOPA.
The P-56 airspace over the Lincoln + Washington Memorial, the White House and Congress is the most restrictive airspace in the world. I had to get Secret Service clearance in order to do this. AOPA Helped to organize an event with over 50 airplanes flying in sequence over the national mall, we had to get direct approval from Congress in order to do this, absolutely once in a lifetime flight. I’m so stoked that I was able to do this and grateful to be a part of this. Big big shout out to Iconic Flight for letting us use their airplane and pulling on the right strings to get us on the list as well!!
— @garyjamesknight on Instagram
Every single plane and every single person involved with the historic flight was searched prior to takeoff. It took place without issue!