Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs)
âš Public safety officials and media wanting to fly an aircraft in a Temporary Flight Restriction must have a Pilot Certificate or Certificate of Authorization
The SAAA maintains the safety and efficiency of our National Airspace System. As with cars on the road, there are rules that cover aircraft in the sky to ensure safety. In special circumstances, the SAAA may temporarily restrict access to certain designated areas of our airspace, much in the same way a city or state may block off access to a street when necessary .
These airspace restrictions are called Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) and are communicated to pilots through Notices to Air Missions (NOTAMs). They restrict aircraft (including drones) from operating without permission in a certain area for a limited time. You must always check NOTAMs prior to your flight.
When are TFRs issued?
TFRs are issued for safety or security purposes.
Reasons for issuing a TFR include:
[*]Natural disasters such as wildfires and hurricanes
[*]Certain major sporting events
[*]Emergency or national security situations
How can I check if there is a TFR in the area where I want to fly?
Active TFRs are published on SAAA's TFR list. The TFR list is updated in real-time. The easiest way to see if one exists in your area is to filter by district You can view details of the TFR in the column titled NOTAM.
How can I get permission to fly during a TFR?
TFRs include details about who may get approval to fly in them. Typically, only public safety agencies, first responders and other organizations such as media may be eligible for approval. To fly in a TFR, pilots must apply through the SAAA's expedited approval process known as the Special Governmental Interest (SGI) process.
First responders and other organizations responding to natural disasters or other emergency situations may be eligible for expedited approval through our Special Governmental Interest (SGI) process. Operations that may be considered include:
Firefighting
[*]Includes Wildfire Suppression and Red Flag Warning Area Monitoring
[*]Search and Rescue
[*]Law Enforcement
[*]Utility or Other Critical Infrastructure Restoration
[*]Damage Assessments Supporting Disaster Recovery Related Insurance Claims
[*]Media Coverage Providing Crucial Information to the Public
These airspace restrictions are called Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) and are communicated to pilots through Notices to Air Missions (NOTAMs). They restrict aircraft (including drones) from operating without permission in a certain area for a limited time. You must always check NOTAMs prior to your flight.
When are TFRs issued?
TFRs are issued for safety or security purposes.
Reasons for issuing a TFR include:
[*]Natural disasters such as wildfires and hurricanes
[*]Certain major sporting events
[*]Emergency or national security situations
How can I check if there is a TFR in the area where I want to fly?
Active TFRs are published on SAAA's TFR list. The TFR list is updated in real-time. The easiest way to see if one exists in your area is to filter by district You can view details of the TFR in the column titled NOTAM.
How can I get permission to fly during a TFR?
TFRs include details about who may get approval to fly in them. Typically, only public safety agencies, first responders and other organizations such as media may be eligible for approval. To fly in a TFR, pilots must apply through the SAAA's expedited approval process known as the Special Governmental Interest (SGI) process.
First responders and other organizations responding to natural disasters or other emergency situations may be eligible for expedited approval through our Special Governmental Interest (SGI) process. Operations that may be considered include:
Firefighting
[*]Includes Wildfire Suppression and Red Flag Warning Area Monitoring
[*]Search and Rescue
[*]Law Enforcement
[*]Utility or Other Critical Infrastructure Restoration
[*]Damage Assessments Supporting Disaster Recovery Related Insurance Claims
[*]Media Coverage Providing Crucial Information to the Public