Airspace safety is something every drone operator must always be aware of. Understanding airspace classifications, operating requirements, and flight restrictions is essential. Here we explain drone temporary flight restrictions and how they affect drone operators.
What are drone temporary flight restrictions (TFRs)?
Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) are temporary airspace restrictions issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) through Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) that prohibit or restrict drones and other aircraft from flying in specific areas and times to ensure aviation safety, public safety, or national security.
Reasons for TFRs
Some common reasons for TFRs to be issued include major sporting events, disasters, and the safety of sensitive locations and VIPs. Specific events such as wildfires, hurricane relief, or chemical spills, sporting events (NFL), music festivals, or presidential visits, security of military bases, critical infrastructure (electric substations), or government facilities. These events have TFRs issued during the calendar year.
Most TFRs are issued under FAA Part 91 and apply to UAS as well as conventional manned aircraft, while some TFRs are issued under FAA Part 99.7 and apply specifically to UAS.
How do drone operators find TFRs?
TFR information may be issued at any time, without prior notice, and is not otherwise available. Every commercial or private pilot can find more information about all three TFRs on the FAA's TFR page (tfr.faa.gov) and on the Kittyhawk and B4UFLY apps. It is to your advantage for pilots to check the relevant NOTAMs before every flight.
How are drones restricted?
Drone flight bans: Drones may not take off, land, or operate in TFR areas unless authorized by the FAA, including recreational drones (<250 grams).
Permit Application:
In some emergencies, if you are a first responder, you can apply for an exemption through the FAA's Special Government Interest (SGI) process. Otherwise, you may face severe penalties.
But still, please note that the Emergency Operation Request Form is submitted to the FAA System Operations Support Center (SOSC), and approval may take several hours to several days.
Special TFRs (such as Disneyland) also require a permit from the requesting party.
Penalties:
Fines: Up to $1,414 per violation, and up to $100,000-$250,000 for national security violations (if death occurs).
Certificate Revocation: Part 107 certificates may be suspended or revoked.
Criminal Penalties: Violation of safety TFRs may result in imprisonment of 6 months to 1 year.
Enforcement: Drones may be shot down if they are deemed a threat.
Practical Tips on FTR Releases
- Drone operators should be prepared to check in advance and visit tfr.faa.gov or B4UFLY at least 24 hours before flying.
- If you need to apply for an exemption for commercial operations, submit an SGI application 3-5 days in advance.
- Avoid sensitive areas: TFRs are more common at airports, military bases, or national parks.
- Record compliance: Keep flight plans and permission records for FAA investigations.
In addition, for some large sporting events (such as NFL, MLB, NASCAR, Division 1 football games), NOTAM will issue TFRs. FDC NOTAM 0/0367 contains details of these restrictions and the types of events covered, but in general, the regulations prohibit all aircraft from flying within a 3 nautical mile radius of a stadium with a capacity of 30,000 or more from one hour before the event to one hour after the event.
Summary
Flying drones is not a flying toy, especially large drones or commercial drones. Drone operators should understand your operational airspace in advance, including special event TFRs, tactical BVLOS exemptions, etc., and prepare flight plans.
