US restricts September 11 flights

The US today announced flight restrictions coinciding with public ceremonies at the three September 11 crash sites.

The temporary rules are less stringent than those presented to the aviation industry last week. The proposal would have banned internationally owned airlines from flying over the sites on the anniversary of the terrorist attacks.

The rules limit flying within a 34.5 mile radius of the event sites below 18,000 feet . Passengers on commercial airlines will be required to remain seated for 30 minutes after takeoff and 30 minutes before landing in the three areas.

Private flying will be banned or in some cases limited to aircraft operating under instrument flight rules. Sightseeing and training flights will also be banned.

In New York, the restrictions will be in effect from the morning of September 11 until the evening of September 13. Private planes will be banned shortly before, during and after public outdoor events on all three days.

In Washington, the restrictions will be in effect from 8:30 am until 11 am (12:30 Irish time until 15:00 Irish time) on September 11. Flights will be banned over a ceremony at the Pentagon.

In Somerset, Pennsylvania, flights will be banned over and near the outdoor ceremony.