Temporary flight restrictions (TFRs)
What TFRs are, the common types, and why checking for them is a non-negotiable preflight step.
A temporary flight restriction (TFR) is a short-term, geographically defined restriction on flight, put in place for a specific reason and time. Unlike charted special-use airspace, TFRs pop up on short notice and are published via NOTAM, which is exactly why checking NOTAMs before every flight is non-negotiable.
Common TFR types include:
- VIP/security TFRs — around the President or other protected persons; often a 30-nm outer ring with a tight 10-nm inner core. These move with the VIP.
- Disaster/hazard TFRs — over wildfires, floods, chemical spills, or law-enforcement operations, to protect responders and firefighting aircraft.
- Sporting-event TFRs — over large stadiums during major games (a standing rule restricts flight below 3,000 ft AGL within 3 nm).
- Space operations TFRs — around rocket launches and reentries.
A TFR's NOTAM specifies the center point, radius, altitudes, effective times, and the conditions for entry (sometimes none; sometimes with ATC coordination). Busting a TFR — especially a security TFR — can mean an intercept and certificate action.
Checking is easy: review the graphical TFR list (the FAA publishes one), get a standard briefing from flight service, or use a flight-planning app that overlays active TFRs. Do it close to departure, because a TFR can appear hours before your flight.
*Reference and training only. Always check current NOTAMs before flight.*