📘14 CFR §91.137 – Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs)

🚩 Overview

Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) are established by the FAA to protect persons or property, provide a safe environment for emergency response operations, and maintain security for sensitive events or locations. Pilots must identify, understand, and strictly comply with TFRs.

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✅ Key Operational Requirements

🚫 1. Purpose of TFRs

Temporary Flight Restrictions are issued for situations such as:

• Natural disaster response (wildfires, hurricanes, earthquakes).

• Major sporting events.

• Presidential movements or VIP travel.

• Hazardous conditions affecting flight safety.

• Security-sensitive locations or operations.

🗺 2. How to Identify TFRs

• Always check for active TFRs through official sources before every flight:

  • Notices to Air Missions (NOTAMs).

  • FAA’s official TFR website: https://tfr.faa.gov.

  • Flight Service briefings (call 1-800-WX-BRIEF).

📡 3. Operational Compliance

• Do not enter an active TFR unless explicitly authorized by the controlling agency or the FAA.

• If authorized entry is permitted, carefully follow all specified procedures, instructions, and restrictions outlined in the TFR NOTAM.

🚨 4. Consequences of Non-Compliance

• Violating TFRs can result in severe penalties, including suspension or revocation of pilot certificates, civil fines, or even criminal charges depending on the severity.

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🛩️ Example Scenario

Before conducting a local flight, you discover an active TFR issued for a nearby wildfire. Even if your intended flight path only slightly enters the TFR boundary, you must alter your route and avoid it entirely unless you receive explicit authorization from the controlling agency managing the TFR.

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📌 CFI Pro Tips

• Check NOTAMs Regularly: Always emphasize the importance of verifying TFRs via official briefings or online resources immediately before flight.

• Teach Consequences: Highlighting examples of TFR violations and their serious consequences can reinforce the importance of careful preflight planning and airspace awareness.

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📚 Further Reading and Official References

• 14 CFR §91.137 (Full FAA Regulation): https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-I/subchapter-F/part-91/subpart-B/section-91.137

• FAA Temporary Flight Restrictions Information: https://tfr.faa.gov

• FAA Advisory Circular AC 91-63D (Temporary Flight Restrictions): https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Advisory_Circular/AC_91-63D.pdf