Bad location for F1 aerial shots in Austin?

I was looking at the recently released location for the Austin track and based upon this map http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/27/austin-f1-track-location-revealed, I calculate that the track will fall within 5 miles of the airport. Austin is Class C airspace which is less restrictive than Class B, but that still falls within the 5 mile ring that goes from the surface to 4500 ft. I'm wondering how that will affect the use of helicopter aerial shots and how the FAA will deal with this. Yes, there aren't many restrictions to Class C airspace, but I foresee complaints from pilots (non-F1 fans) trying to get into the airport on race weeks and from ATC having to deal with potential conflict issues.

 

for three or four days?

Also, since bernie controls the tv feed... im sure this has already been addressed prior to inking the deal.


Good research and a good question though

 

Should not be a problem. The helo platform would be under control of the ATC and be assigned a transponder #. Operations would be limited to the area above the circuit. Others would be routed around for approach and departure, as the track is not in line with the runways. I have flown aerial photography flights like this and as long as you stay within the area assigned to you, ATC is generally happy.

Of course this only becomes a issue if they get a race track built and have cars running below to photograph. That seems not certain yet.....

 

Out of curiosity, what class airspace is the area around Daytona International Speedway, and the airport adjacent to it? There are always tons of helicopters / billboard-towing-airplanes / blimps around that track.

 

You bet. Chicago's lakefront race was a done deal in 1980 when "friends of the parks" mobilized to protest that this race would restrict access to the lakefront and parks for a whole weekend. It killed the whole deal, even after a ceremonial lap had been run.

 

Class C - ATC control - Surface to 4000

 

The Sepang F1 Race Track in Malaysia is in close proximity to the KL International Airport, I'm sure the track its self is within 5 miles of at least one runway ( I would estimate 2 miles).

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?hl=en&tab=wl&q=s

I have been to a handful of events there, including F1 and Moto-Gp, and if my memory severs me correctly, i can recall there being the usual helicopter activity over the circuit.

 

Lots of tracks are in close proximity to airports. Seems racing and flying have a symbiotic relationship, something about fast loud machinery. It doesn't seem to be much of a problem for class B, C, or D where there is ATC control but can get a little interesting flying into a busy uncontrolled airport when the track is hot. Sebring has a temporary tower during the 12hr race and the week or so leading up to the race but otherwise you are on your own the rest of the year. A little off topic but the back straight at Sebring still shows up on the sectional charts as a runway.

Robin

 

but those are tree huggers... and prius drivers

 

At Indy one of the runways approach paths goes directly over the south end the track. That still allowed the helos and banner tugs to fly. It should not be a problem.

 

Go easy on the Prius drivers. I rented one to get me from the Milwaukee airport to the Brian Redmond Historic Races at Road America a couple of weeks ago, just to try it out. I got in the car, put my foot on the brake, pushed the power button, pushed the lever with two settings up to R, and released the brake. The car started moving! Whoa! I hit the power button again and got the attendant to give me a little lesson before proceeding. There is an LCD screen with the climate control settings (touch screen) on one view, and another view with graphic representations of motor functions. Kind of cool. Really fun to look at the mileage readout when in full electric mode--99.9 mpg.

 

I was unaware that so many tracks were so close to somewhat busy airports. So, I guess my question has been answered.

 

I drove a MkI jap spec prius years ago when I was building electric cars... they are neat... but do not solve the problem they were intended to solve. but i dont want to take this off topic