TFR Maps and Apps to Check Before Flying

What Are Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs)?

Temporary Flight Restrictions are exactly what they sound like—time-limited airspace closures or restrictions imposed by the FAA to protect people and aircraft during specific events or situations. Unlike permanent controlled airspace around airports, TFRs can appear with little notice, change boundaries rapidly, and disappear once the underlying situation resolves.

For drone pilots, TFRs represent one of the most dynamic and potentially serious regulatory challenges. Flying in a TFR—even accidentally, even for a few seconds—can result in swift enforcement action including certificate suspension, significant fines, or even criminal prosecution. Unlike many Part 107 violations that might result in a warning for first offenses, TFR violations are taken extremely seriously by the FAA and law enforcement.

Understanding what TFRs are, why they’re issued, how to check for them, and what happens if you violate one is essential knowledge for every remote pilot.

Common Causes of Temporary Flight Restrictions

TFRs are issued for a wide variety of reasons, each with different characteristics and duration. Recognizing the patterns helps pilots anticipate and avoid them.

VIP Movement

Presidential and Vice Presidential movement generates some of the most restrictive and frequently occurring TFRs.

Characteristics:

• Two-tier structure – Inner “no-fly” zone (typically 10-mile radius) and outer restricted zone (typically 30-mile radius)
• Mobile – TFR moves with the protected individual
• Short notice – May be published just hours before arrival
• Duration – Remains in effect until the VIP departs
• Absolute prohibition – Inner zone allows NO aircraft operations without specific Secret Service approval

Impact on drone operations: If a VIP visits your area, all drone operations within the TFR boundaries become illegal, regardless of your altitude, airspace authorization, or waivers. There are no exceptions for Part 107 commercial operations.

Example locations: Presidential visits to cities, Camp David, Mar-a-Lago, Rehoboth Beach, political rallies, fundraisers

Wildfire and Emergency Response

Fire fighting operations create some of the most critical TFRs, where violation creates immediate danger to emergency responders.

Characteristics:

• Rapid implementation – Can be established within minutes of fire aircraft deployment
• Variable size – Typically 5-mile radius, surface to 5,000 or 8,000 feet AGL
• Duration – Remains active as long as aerial firefighting operations continue
• Extended hours – May be active from dawn until after dusk during fire season

Critical safety issue: The phrase “If you fly, we can’t” is literal. Drone presence forces firefighting aircraft to ground immediately, potentially allowing fires to spread unchecked. This has resulted in acres of additional burn, property loss, and endangered lives.

Consequences: Wildfire TFR violations often result in federal prosecution, not just FAA administrative action. Multiple drone pilots have faced felony charges for interfering with firefighting operations.

Sporting Events

Major sporting events in stadiums seating 30,000+ people generate TFRs during game time.

Characteristics:

• Predictable schedule – Published days in advance based on game schedules
• Time-limited – Typically 1 hour before until 1 hour after event
• Geographic scope – Usually 3-mile radius, surface to 3,000 feet AGL
• Recurring – Every home game for NFL, major college football, NASCAR, etc.

Covered events: NFL games, MLB World Series and All-Star Game, NASCAR Sprint Cup, Indy 500, major college football games

What’s allowed: Typically no operations within the TFR during active times. Some TFRs allow operations with stadium waiver or specific authorization.

Security Events

Major public gatherings, political conventions, and security-sensitive events generate extended TFRs.

Characteristics:

• Large geographic areas – Can cover entire metropolitan areas
• Extended duration – May last days or weeks
• Complex structure – Multiple zones with different restrictions
• Strict enforcement – Violation may trigger law enforcement interception

Examples: Political party conventions, Super Bowl, State of the Union address, G7/G20 summits, major protests

Space Operations

Rocket launches and space vehicle recovery operations create predictable but extensive TFRs.

Characteristics:

• Published well in advance – Launch schedules known weeks ahead
• Extensive geographic area – Launch corridors can extend hundreds of miles
• Altitude-based – May only restrict above certain altitudes
• Time windows – Specific launch windows with backup times

Common locations: Cape Canaveral, Vandenberg Space Force Base, Wallops Island, SpaceX facilities

Disaster and Search and Rescue Operations

Natural disasters, search operations, and emergency responses can generate urgent TFRs.

Characteristics:

• Rapid deployment – May appear with minimal notice
• Evolving boundaries – Can change as situations develop
• Variable altitude – Often surface to 5,000 feet or higher
• Duration – Remains until emergency operations conclude

Examples: Hurricane response, tornado aftermath, flooding, earthquake damage assessment, missing person searches, manhunts

Air Shows and Demonstrations

Characteristics:

• Scheduled – Published days or weeks in advance
• Limited duration – Active only during show hours
• Variable size – 5-10 mile radius typical
• Altitude restrictions – Surface to 17,000 feet common

Examples: EAA AirVenture (Oshkosh), Blue Angels performances, military base air shows

How to Check for TFRs: Essential Tools and Apps

Checking for TFRs is a mandatory part of preflight planning. Multiple tools are available, each with strengths and weaknesses.

B4UFLY Mobile App (FAA Official)

The FAA’s official mobile application for recreational and Part 107 pilots.

Strengths:

• Official FAA data source
• GPS integration shows airspace at your current location
• Simple traffic light system (green/yellow/red)
• Push notifications for TFRs (if enabled)
• Free and available for iOS and Android

Limitations:

• Basic interface with limited detail
• Doesn’t show complete TFR text and details
• Occasional data sync delays
• Limited flight planning features

Best used for: Quick pre-flight checks at your current location

FAA TFR Website (tfr.faa.gov)

The official FAA source for complete TFR information.

Strengths:

• Authoritative source—what’s shown here is legally controlling
• Complete TFR text with all details and exclusions
• Graphic depictions showing exact boundaries
• Searchable by location, date, or TFR number
• Historical TFR archive

Limitations:

• Desktop-oriented interface (difficult on mobile)
• Requires interpretation of NOTAM format
• No mobile app integration
• Not intuitive for new users

Best used for: Detailed TFR research during preflight planning at home/office

ForeFlight Mobile

Professional flight planning app widely used by manned aircraft pilots, increasingly popular with drone operators.

Strengths:

• Excellent graphical depiction of TFRs overlaid on charts
• Real-time updates with reliable data feed
• Tap TFR graphics to read complete text
• Integrated with complete flight planning workflow
• Alerts if your planned route enters a TFR
• Briefing feature compiles all airspace restrictions

Limitations:

• Subscription required (approximately $100-200/year depending on tier)
• iOS only (iPad/iPhone)
• Designed for manned aircraft (some features irrelevant for drones)

Best used for: Professional operators who need comprehensive flight planning tools

SkyVector.com

Free web-based flight planning tool with TFR overlay.

Strengths:

• Free to use
• Good graphical depiction on aeronautical charts
• Easy to zoom and pan across country
• Click TFRs to see details
• No account required

Limitations:

• Web-only (not mobile-optimized)
• No push notifications or alerts
• Occasional data lag
• Limited to planning; not useful in the field

Best used for: Desktop preflight planning, checking TFRs across wide geographic areas

Aloft, Airmap, and Other LAANC Providers

LAANC service providers include TFR awareness in their apps.

Strengths:

• Integrated with airspace authorization workflow
• Mobile-friendly interfaces
• Push notifications for new TFRs in saved locations
• Free basic tiers available

Limitations:

• TFR depiction quality varies by provider
• Some apps require account creation
• Data feed reliability varies

Best used for: Operators already using these platforms for LAANC authorization

UAV Forecast

Weather and airspace app specifically designed for drone pilots.

Strengths:

• Combines TFR data with weather information
• Simple interface optimized for drone pilots
• Notifications for TFRs in monitored areas
• Free version available

Limitations:

• TFR graphics less detailed than aviation-focused apps
• Premium features require subscription

Best used for: Quick checks combining weather and airspace status

Best Practices for TFR Awareness

Using tools is important, but effective TFR management requires good procedures:

Preflight Planning

• Check TFRs every time, no exceptions – Even for routine flights in familiar areas
• Check multiple sources – B4UFLY for quick check, FAA website for details
• Expand your search area – Check TFRs within 50 miles of operation area, not just immediately overhead
• Read the complete TFR text – Don’t rely solely on graphic depictions; understand exact restrictions
• Check timing carefully – Note effective times and expiration (use Zulu time conversion)
• Screenshot TFR status – Document that you checked and area was clear
• Have a backup plan – Know what you’ll do if a TFR appears unexpectedly

During Operations

• Monitor for new TFRs – VIP and emergency TFRs can appear during your flight
• Stay aware of news – Presidential movements, fires, and emergencies often precede TFRs
• Keep flight times short – Shorter flights reduce exposure to emerging TFRs
• Maintain situational awareness – If you see unusual manned aircraft activity, investigate why
• Have a recall procedure – Know how you’ll immediately land if a TFR is discovered

Setting Up Alerts

Proactive notification beats reactive checking:

• Enable B4UFLY notifications – Allow push notifications for your operating areas
• Use LAANC app alerts – Set “favorite locations” for automatic TFR warnings
• Follow local aviation news – VIP schedules, airshow announcements, fire information
• Monitor weather alerts – Fires and natural disasters often precede TFRs
• Join pilot communities – Local drone and aviation groups share TFR information

Consequences of Violating TFRs

TFR violations are among the most serious enforcement actions the FAA pursues. Unlike many Part 107 violations where education or warning letters are common for first offenses, TFR violations typically result in immediate enforcement.

Administrative Actions

Civil penalties:

• Typical fines: $5,000 to $30,000 depending on severity
• Maximum penalty: $37,377 per violation under current regulations
• No distinction between intentional and accidental violations in penalty amounts

Certificate action:

• Suspension: 30 to 180 days typical
• Revocation: Permanent loss of certificate for serious or repeated violations
• Emergency revocation: Immediate action if you pose imminent hazard

Criminal Prosecution

Certain TFR violations can result in federal criminal charges:

• Interference with firefighting operations – Multiple prosecutions resulting in felony convictions
• VIP TFR violations – Can be prosecuted as federal crimes with potential imprisonment
• Security-related TFRs – Violations may involve federal law enforcement agencies beyond FAA

Recent case examples:

• 2017: Drone pilot fined $20,000 for flying near wildfire in California
• 2019: Pilot certificate revoked for VIP TFR violation near presidential event
• 2020: Criminal prosecution for flying during firefighting operations

Aggravating Factors

Certain circumstances increase enforcement severity:

• Interfering with emergency operations
• Operating in security-sensitive TFRs
• Refusing to land when instructed
• Prior violations or warnings
• Deliberately ignoring TFR after being informed
• Commercial operations (held to higher standard than recreational)

Mitigating Factors

If you do violate a TFR, these factors may help:

• Immediate compliance when notified
• Evidence of good-faith effort to check for TFRs
• Prompt self-reporting
• Clean prior record
• Cooperation with investigation
• Brief duration of violation

However, even with mitigating factors, expect enforcement action for TFR violations.

What To Do If You Discover a TFR During Flight

Despite best efforts, you might discover you’re operating in a newly established TFR:

Immediate Actions

1. Land immediately – Safest nearby location, even if not ideal
2. Do not complete your mission – Revenue is not worth certificate suspension
3. Document the situation – Note when you discovered TFR, when you landed, how you learned of it
4. Exit the TFR area – If you’re mobile, leave the geographic boundaries
5. Do not fly again until TFR expires – Even if you “need” to finish

Reporting and Documentation

• Consider self-reporting – Proactive disclosure to FAA may demonstrate responsibility
• Document your preflight check – Show that TFR didn’t exist when you planned the flight
• Preserve evidence – Flight logs, app screenshots, planning documentation
• Consult aviation attorney – If enforcement seems likely, get legal advice before communicating with FAA

Special Considerations for Emergency Response Drones

Public safety agencies operating drones face unique TFR challenges since emergencies generate TFRs and also create operational needs.

Certificate of Authorization (COA) for Public Aircraft

Government agencies can obtain COAs that provide authority to operate in certain TFRs:

• Must be government entity (police, fire, emergency management)
• Must obtain COA through FAA prior to operations
• Typically includes coordination procedures with other emergency aircraft
• May have authority to operate in disaster TFRs for response purposes

Coordination Procedures

Even with authority, coordination is essential:

• Contact incident commander before launching
• Coordinate with air operations branch
• Use established frequencies for air-to-air coordination
• Maintain altitude separation from manned aircraft
• Yield right-of-way to firefighting and rescue aircraft

The Future of TFR Management

Technology and regulations continue evolving:

• Remote ID integration – May enable automated TFR alerts pushed to aircraft
• UAS Traffic Management (UTM) – Systems that could automatically prevent TFR entry
• Real-time geofencing – Aircraft that receive and automatically avoid new TFRs
• Improved notification systems – Better tools for pushing TFR alerts to affected pilots

Until these systems are fully implemented, TFR awareness remains a manual process requiring diligence from every remote pilot.

Conclusion: TFR Compliance is Non-Negotiable

Temporary Flight Restrictions exist to protect critical operations, emergency responders, and high-value individuals. They are not suggestions or guidelines—they are legally binding airspace closures with serious consequences for violation.

Every professional drone pilot must:

• Check for TFRs before every flight without exception
• Use multiple reliable tools and sources
• Understand how to read and interpret TFR information
• Set up proactive alerts for operating areas
• Maintain awareness during operations
• Land immediately if a TFR is discovered

The tools exist, the information is readily available, and the consequences of violation are severe. In the hierarchy of airspace compliance, TFR avoidance stands at the very top. Make TFR checking an automatic, non-negotiable part of your preflight routine, and you’ll avoid one of the most serious regulatory pitfalls in commercial drone operations.