Air Defense Identification Zone
Reagan National Airport is in between two overlapping zones of prohibited airspace so pilots have to watch out for the Pentagon and CIA headquarters. On takeoff, pilots must ascend quickly and sharply turn left so they don't fly over the White House. After the attacks of September 11, 2001, security forces strongly enforce these rules. Reagan National has extra security precautions required by the Washington Air Defense Identification Zone that have been in place since the airport began operations.