One of the no-fly zones that might surprise you is Mount Vernon, Virginia, the home of George Washington. The wooden mansion, built between 1758 and 1778, has endured much wear over the years. To prevent further damage caused by vibrations from overhead aircraft, a no-fly zone was established around the airspace above this National Historic Landmark.
Another place where planes can’t fly over is the happiest places on Earth – Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, and Disneyland in Anaheim, California. After the September 11 attacks, Disney successfully had a “temporary” no-fly zone restriction established over its theme parks. This restriction remains in place to this day, ensuring the safety and privacy of the visitors and the characters.
The Bush family compound in Kennebunkport, Maine, is also a no-fly zone. This home has been in the family for over a century and is the summer residence of former president George H.W. Bush. Given the sensitive nature of the compound and the frequency with which both former presidents Bush and their families still visit, the airspace above the compound is restricted to aircraft.
The Pantex Plant, a high-security nuclear facility located about 17 miles northeast of Amarillo, Texas, is another place where planes can’t fly over. Its mission is “to ensure the safety, security, and reliability of the nation’s nuclear stockpile.” The facility dismantles excess nukes, keeps tabs on our existing ones, and maintains cold-war era missiles. These quotes are from the Pantex Plant itself and the previous article, respectively.
No-fly zones are not just about safety and security. They also have a historical and cultural significance. For instance, the airspace over the Parthenon in Greece is a no-fly zone. This ancient temple, dedicated to the goddess Athena, whom the people of Athens considered their patron, is a symbol of the power and influence of Athens in its prime. To preserve its historical integrity, a no-fly zone was established.
These are just some of the examples of the no-fly zones that exist around the world. There are many more, each with its own story and reason. No-fly zones are a fascinating aspect of aviation law and history. They serve a variety of purposes, from protecting historical landmarks to ensuring national security. So next time you’re on a flight, remember, there’s more to the flight path than meets the eye.
Relevant articles:
– Places Planes Can’t Fly in the United States | Reader’s Digest
– 11 Places Planes Can’t Fly Over in the U.S. | Mental Floss
– 10 No-Fly Zones From Around The World – WorldAtlas