Bonanza 33
Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Instrument
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 20; Flight Crew Total 13000; Flight Crew Type 300
Communication Breakdown; Confusion
ATC Issue All Types; Airspace Violation All Types
Air Traffic Control Issued Advisory / Alert
ATC Equipment / Nav Facility / Buildings; Procedure; Human Factors; Airspace Structure
I filled an IFR flight plan in Worcester for a flight to North Carolina. Prior to filling my flight plan I consulted with FSS for 45 minutes. I was advised to file an IFR flight plan not only because of the weather but also because of the NOTAM regarding the restricted airspace over the NY TCA [VIPTFR]. As I was approaching the NY TCA I could hear the controller talking to other aircraft but not responding to my calls. I continued to fly on my flight plan waiting to be contacted by NY. Finally after 20 minutes I became worried so I contacted Washington Center to request a frequency. I was then informed that I had penetrated the restricted airspace in NY. I was given a phone number to call when I landed. In the meantime the secret service contacted the airport and told them that I was to wait until an agent arrived to interview me regarding this incident. While I was waiting I contacted the phone number given to me. I spoke to NY Control and a secret service agent. At the airport agent interviewed me. I relied the same information as that contained in this report. I am very concerned because the NY ATC lost me in their system and were not monitoring me. This was not an intentional act on my part. I relied on the system. I was on an IFR flight plan. I was aware of the TFR followed the IFR flight plan as directed.
BE33 pilot on an IFR flight plan reports losing radio contact approaching New York airspace. He had been made aware of a VIP TFR over New York prior to departure and had expected ATC to keep him clear of the TFR. Once communication is established with ZDC he is asked to copy a phone number and is interviewed upon landing at his destination.