By Lisa Buie, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
While the Republican National Convention will bring some big business to town, some aviation-related companies will find themselves grounded, at least partially.
"It's going to shut us down," said Deric Dymerski, president of Atlas Aviation, the company that operates Peter O. Knight Airport, which is less than 3 miles from the Tampa Bay Times Forum.
The airport falls within a temporary flight-restriction zone put in place by the Secret Service, Department of Homeland Security and other federal agencies handling security for the convention, Aug. 27-30.
Dymerski said the airport won't be able to offer in-air flight instruction, rent its seven planes, act as a fuel stop, or let any private owners fly in or out except between midnight and 9 a.m. Those who plan to fly during that time will have to move their planes to other ...