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FAA partially lifts ban on private planes

By Patty Davis
CNN Washington

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The Federal Aviation Administration on Friday partially lifted its ban on private planes, allowing pilots to fly in and around 15 metropolitan areas by next Wednesday.

Pilots who are not instrument-rated and do not file flight plans had been banned from flying near 30 major metropolitan areas for national security concerns.

The FAA announced private flying will be phased-in starting on Monday in and around Houston, Kansas City, Missouri, Memphis, New Orleans and St. Louis. On Tuesday, Cleveland, Dallas-Fort Worth, Honolulu, Minneapolis and Phoenix will lift their ban. Private pilots will be allowed to fly into and around Charlotte, Cincinnati, Ohio-Covington, Kentucky, Salt Lake City, Seattle and Tampa on Wednesday.

"This is another step in the FAA's phased program to restore access to U.S. airspace," said FAA Administrator Jane Garvey. "We expect to take additional actions to restore flying consistent with national security."

Restrictions remain in effect in New York, Washington, D.C., and 13 other metropolitan areas.

The same restrictions apply to banning towing planes and news helicopters. The banner towers are suing the FAA to get the policy reversed and to be allowed to resume flying over sporting events.