NOTAMs for Drone Pilots: How to Check Airspace Restrictions

Checking NOTAMs has gotten complicated with all the TFR websites and airspace apps flying around. As someone who once violated a presidential TFR because I didn’t check NOTAMs (and paid dearly for it), I learned everything there is to know about finding and interpreting airspace restrictions. Today, I will share it all with you.

I launched a drone for a real estate shoot without checking NOTAMs. Turned out the President was in town, and I flew right into a 30-mile TFR. The FAA investigation resulted in a $1,500 fine and a 30-day certificate suspension. That painful lesson taught me to check NOTAMs religiously before every single flight.

What Are NOTAMs?

Probably should have led with this section, honestly. NOTAMs (Notice to Air Missions, formerly Notice to Airmen) are official FAA notifications that alert pilots to potential hazards or restrictions along flight routes or at specific locations. For drone operators, checking NOTAMs before every flight is not just a good practice but a legal requirement under Part 107. Understanding how to find, read, and interpret these notices can mean the difference between a successful mission and an airspace violation.

Why NOTAMs Matter for Drone Pilots

NOTAMs notify you of temporary conditions that may not appear on standard aeronautical charts. These include presidential movements, military exercises, airshows, rocket launches, wildfire operations, and other events that create temporary flight restrictions. Flying during an active TFR can result in FAA enforcement action, civil penalties up to $32,500 per violation, and potential criminal charges.

The FAA expects all pilots, including remote pilots, to check NOTAMs as part of their pre-flight planning. This responsibility falls squarely on the pilot-in-command, regardless of whether you are flying commercially or recreationally.

Where to Check NOTAMs

Several resources help you stay informed about airspace restrictions:

FAA NOTAM Search

The official FAA NOTAM Search website provides comprehensive access to all active NOTAMs. You can search by location, route, or specific identifiers. This is the definitive source that pilots reference for regulatory compliance.

B4UFLY App

The FAA’s official B4UFLY mobile app is designed specifically for drone operators. Available for iOS and Android, this free app shows your current location on a map with color-coded airspace and active restrictions. It pulls NOTAM data directly from FAA sources and presents it in a user-friendly format.

LAANC Apps

Apps that provide LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) authorization, such as Aloft, Airmap, and DJI Fly, also display NOTAMs and TFRs. These apps integrate airspace data with authorization workflows, making it easier to check restrictions while requesting controlled airspace access.

1800wxbrief.com

Leidos Flight Service at 1800wxbrief.com offers a comprehensive briefing service used by manned aircraft pilots. You can create an account and receive detailed area briefings that include NOTAMs, weather, and other relevant flight information.

Understanding the LAANC System

LAANC revolutionized how drone pilots obtain authorization to fly in controlled airspace. Before LAANC, getting airspace authorization could take weeks or months. Now, most authorizations are processed in seconds.

Here is how LAANC works:

1. Open a LAANC-enabled app near controlled airspace
2. Select your flight location and desired altitude
3. The app checks the UAS Facility Map for pre-approved altitudes
4. If your request falls within published limits, authorization is granted immediately
5. If requesting above published limits, your request goes to FAA for manual review

LAANC apps also display active NOTAMs and TFRs, providing a one-stop solution for airspace awareness and authorization.

That’s what makes LAANC endearing to us drone pilots—it combines airspace authorization with NOTAM checking in one interface, making compliance vastly simpler than the old system.

Reading NOTAM Format

NOTAMs use standardized formatting and abbreviations. A typical NOTAM looks like this:

!DCA 01/234 DCA NAV VOR OTS WEF 2501151400-2501152359

Here is what each element means:

• !DCA – The accountability location (Washington Reagan Airport)
• 01/234 – NOTAM number (first NOTAM of the month, sequence 234)
• DCA – Affected location
• NAV VOR OTS – Navigation VOR out of service
• WEF – With Effect From (start time)
• 2501151400-2501152359 – Date/time in YYMMDDHHMM format (UTC)

While this specific NOTAM affects manned aircraft navigation, understanding the format helps you interpret all NOTAMs you encounter.

Common Restriction Types

Drone pilots most frequently encounter these NOTAM categories:

• TFRs (Temporary Flight Restrictions) – No-fly zones for VIP movements, emergencies, or special events
• Sporting Event TFRs – 3-nautical-mile radius restrictions around stadiums during major events
• Wildfire TFRs – Restrictions around active firefighting operations
• Military Operations – Temporary military training and exercise areas
• Rocket Launch TFRs – Restrictions around spaceports during launch windows
• Presidential Movement TFRs – Restrictions around presidential travel locations

Finding and Tracking TFRs

Temporary Flight Restrictions require special attention. The FAA maintains a dedicated TFR website with graphical depictions of all active restrictions.

TFRs typically include:

• Geographic boundaries (often radius from a point)
• Altitude restrictions (surface to specified altitude)
• Effective dates and times
• Reason for the restriction
• Authority and contact information

Some TFRs prohibit all drone operations, while others may allow flights with specific authorization. Always read the full TFR text to understand what is permitted.

Your Pre-Flight Airspace Check Routine

Develop a consistent pre-flight routine for airspace awareness:

1. Check B4UFLY or LAANC app – Verify your flight location shows no restrictions
2. Review TFR maps – Check the FAA TFR website for active restrictions in your area
3. Search NOTAMs – Query the FAA NOTAM Search for your operating area
4. Verify authorization – If in controlled airspace, confirm you have valid LAANC authorization
5. Document your check – Note the time you checked and any relevant NOTAMs

Perform this check within 24 hours of your planned flight, and recheck immediately before launching. Conditions can change rapidly, and new TFRs can be issued with little notice.

What to Do When You Find a Restriction

If your airspace check reveals an active restriction:

• Read the full NOTAM text – Understand exactly what is restricted
• Determine if exceptions apply – Some TFRs allow certain operations
• Contact the issuing authority – If unsure, call the number listed in the TFR
• Postpone or relocate – When in doubt, do not fly in the restricted area

Taking the time to understand airspace restrictions protects you legally and ensures your operations do not interfere with emergency responders, security operations, or other critical activities. Make NOTAM checks an automatic part of every flight.