If you have any concerns filing an SFRA flight plan, call the Leesburg FSS directly 866-255-7410 and hit prompt #1. It will say that the line is for filing FRZ plans but don't worry about that. These guys know how to properly file an SFRA flight plan. If you call the WX-Brief number you'll inevitably get a FSS specialist in Florida or worse, California that has no clue how to file it and even if they say they do will somehow screw it up.
When 10-15nm out, call Potomac Approach on 132.775. They will give you a squawk code and ask you to remain clear. When they have you ID'd on radar they will say "proceed on course, remain clear of Bravo". When you see your destination airport let the controller know at which point he will tell you "frequency change approved, remain on the code until after landing". That's it. Not hard. Go for it.
Monitor 132.775 from a ways out so you can pick up on the jargon. You can also listen to it ahead of time on Live ATC.
They like to use a phrase "Transponder observed, remain clear of the Bravo". Which I understand to mean proceed on course via your flight plan outside of Class B airspace. The biggest issue with that is the closer in to DC you go, the lower you must fly, which isn't always the most comfortable place to be.
I had an issue one time where I'd been getting flight following from Potomac Approach for 30 miles prior to the SFRA. Just as I was about to enter the SFRA, the controller said,"Radar contact lost, remain clear of the SFRA." So, I circled a couple of times and asked the controller twice before he finally said "Transponder observed." Don't know if it was for real or he was messing with me.
Now, I generally request clearance through the Class B at some higher altitude, usually between 3000 and 4500. My request is granted nearly 90% of the time, which makes for a more comfortable flight. If you fly in IFR, it's like the red carpet is rolled out. No odd terminology or procedures. The only thing to remember is NEVER squawk 1200 or Standby on your transponder.
I've frequently flown into Freeway (W00) and have used Fort Meade (FME) and Gaithsburg (GAI). All are in the SFRA. So far, no issues or violations in 6 years.
For transients, FME is the best bet because they generally have a good fuel price and plenty of hard surface parking. Transient parking at GAI is like winning the lottery. At W00, you get your pick of a sloped grassy parking spot, so pray for no rain.
Go for it. I just feel like I'm poking the TSA bear when I fly into W00, because they surely seem to want it shut down, but haven't figured out how. There is an astonishing (to them) low level of security at W00 considering it's only 6 miles from Andrews AFB. The locals say that the TSA people just leave shaking their heads after each visit. It seems like the more of us that use the airspace will create a demand for more efficient and easier use so maybe the feds will lighten up a bit.
Mike
