F E D E R A L A V I A T I O N A D M I N I S T R A T I O N • A I R T R A F F I C O R G A N I Z A T I O N

Northeastern Area StatesAviation Committee

Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR’s)

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What is a temporary flight restriction (TFR)?

A TFR is action taken by the FAA to restrict flight operations for a specified amount of airspace, on a temporary basis, in order to provide protection of person(s) or property in the air or on the ground.

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Authority

Title 49 United States Code, Section 40103, delineates the authority to regulate the operation of aircraft and the use of navigable airspace.

Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 91 contains the standards used for issuing temporary flight restrictions.

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Are there different types of TFR’s?

Yes. The different types of TFR’s are found in 14 CFR part 91. They include:

Section 91.137 – Temporary Flight Restrictions in the Vicinity of Disaster/Hazard Areas;

Section 91.141 – Flight Restrictions in the proximity of the Presidential and Other Parties;

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Types of TFR’s (continued)

Section 91.xxx – Management of Aircraft Operations Due to National Security Concerns;

Section 99.7, Special Security Instructions;

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What is an ADIZ or Defense Area?

The Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) is an area of airspace over land or water in which the ready identification, location, and control of civil aircraft is required in the interest of national security.

Unless designated as an ADIZ, a Defense Area is any airspace of the U.S. in which the control of aircraft is required for reasons of national security.

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Reasons for TFR’s

TFR’s may be issued for the following reasons: Toxic gas leaks; spills, fumes from flammable

agents which, if fanned by rotor or propeller wash, could endanger persons or property on the surface or in other aircraft;

Volcanic eruptions which could endanger airborne aircraft and occupants;

Hijacking incidents wherein activities have the potential to endanger persons or property on the surface, or airborne aircraft occupants;

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Reasons (continued)

Aircraft accident/incident sites; Wildfires fought by aviation or ground resources; Aircraft relief activities following a disaster (earthquake,

flood, tidal wave, etc); Aerial demonstrations or major open-air assembly

sporting events; or

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Reasons (continued)

Hostile actions threatening national security, ranging from threats to actual attack.

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How do I find out if a TFR has been issued?

National airspace system users or other interested parties should contact the nearest flight service station for updated information regarding TFRs.

TFRs are issued via the U.S. NOTAM System. News media and aviation group web sites are also used to disseminate select TFR information to affected users.

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Are TFR’s issued in Class A, B, C, or D airspace areas? Normally, incidents occurring within the surface area of

Class A, B, C, or D airspace areas may be handled through existing procedures.

Note: TFR’s are only issued for sovereign U.S. airspace and its territories.

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Who can request a TFR?

A TFR may be requested by military major command headquarters; regional directors of the Office of Emergency Planning; Civil Defense State Directors; Civil authorities directing or coordinating organized air relief operations; State Governors; airshow coordinators or sporting event officials.

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Who can implement a TFR?

A TFR may be requested by military major command headquarters, regional directors of the Office of Emergency Planning, Civil Defense State Directors; Civil authorities directing or coordinating organized relief air operations (e.g., Office of Emergency Planning; U.S. Forest Service, State aeronautical agencies); State Governors; FAA Flight Standards District Office, Aviation Event organizers or sporting event officials.

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To what degree are restrictions issued?

A TFR is a regulatory action, and any restrictions issued must consider the impact on non-participants. Restrictions are kept to the minimum necessary to meet required objectives.

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Who can I contact for more information on TFR’s? Contact the Regional Air Traffic Division having

management jurisdiction over the TFR area. You may also contact the FAA Headquarters Airspace

and Rules Division, Washington, D.C., at 202-267-8783.

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TFR’s for Security Reasons are normally requested by the following personnel:

Military City Governments USSS NORAD Coast Guard DHS TSA FAA

DEA ATF Local Police State Police White House

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National Capitol RegionAirspace Protection Workgroup White House FBI USSS NORAD Coast Guard DHS TSA FAA

Capitol Police Park Police Senate Police Congress Police