What is TFR (Temporary Flight Restriction)?
A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is FAA-issued airspace that prohibits or limits aircraft operations within a defined area for a specified period — usually for security, disaster relief, sporting events, or VIP movement.
TFRs are issued under 14 CFR § 91.137–139, § 91.141, § 91.143, and § 99.7 (the stadium TFR). They appear in the Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) system and on the FAA's TFR list at tfr.faa.gov. Drone pilots are subject to TFRs the same as crewed aircraft and must check before every flight.
Common TFR types affecting drone pilots: § 91.137 (disaster / hazard) — wildfires, hurricane response. § 91.138 (national disaster). § 99.7 — the standing stadium TFR over MLB, NFL, NCAA football (D-I), and major motorsport venues during games (1 hour before to 1 hour after, 3 nautical mile radius, surface to 3,000 ft AGL). § 91.141 — VIP movement, primarily presidential. § 91.143 — space launch operations.
TFRs can appear with little notice. Wildfire TFRs in particular can be issued and modified hourly. Always re-check immediately before flight.
What this means for pilots
Check the FAA TFR list before every flight, not just at planning time. Wildfire TFRs are particularly important — flying a drone over a wildfire grounds firefighting aircraft and triggers federal felony charges. Stadium TFRs catch many real-estate pilots near venues on event days; check the team schedule.
FAQ
Do TFRs apply to recreational drones?
Yes. TFRs apply to all aircraft including small unmanned systems regardless of pilot license type.
How do I find active TFRs?
tfr.faa.gov is the official list. Altoa surfaces relevant TFRs in the airspace check. Always verify immediately before flight.
What if I fly into a TFR?
Civil penalties up to $30,000 per violation; potential FAA certificate action; criminal charges for wildfire TFRs (a felony).
Related terms
FAA regulations change. Verify current rules at faa.gov/uas before relying on this article for flight planning. Altoa is not the FAA.