A TFR, or temporary flight restriction, is airspace the FAA closes for a while to most aircraft and drones, for things like a presidential visit, a wildfire, a rocket launch or a big stadium event. Below is the FAA's live list of every active TFR in the U.S., updated every 10 minutes. Drone pilots: if your spot is inside a TFR, you can't fly there.
The most common kinds of TFRs
- VIP (presidential): usually a 30-mile ring around the President or Vice President, with a tighter 10-mile inner core that is closed to almost everyone.
- Wildfires and disasters: keep the sky clear for firefighting aircraft and rescue helicopters. A drone near a wildfire can ground the firefighting planes.
- Rocket launches: close airspace around the pad and along the rocket's path.
- Stadiums: during major league baseball, NFL, NCAA Division I football and major auto races, the airspace within 3 nautical miles of the stadium is closed up to 3,000 feet, from an hour before until an hour after the event.
- Air shows: protect the performers and the crowd.
Can I fly my drone here?
Before every flight, check the FAA-approved B4UFLY apps, which show TFRs, airports and controlled airspace for your exact spot. Recreational flyers need to pass the free TRUST safety test, stay at or below 400 feet, keep the drone in sight, and get authorization before flying in controlled airspace near airports. Never fly near emergencies, wildfires or stadium events.
What happens if a pilot flies into a TFR?
Controllers try to reach the pilot right away and steer them out. Around a VIP or security TFR, military aircraft may intercept the plane, and the pilot can face FAA enforcement. That's why pilots check NOTAMs before every flight.
Every TFR on this list is being watched by air traffic controllers keeping pilots out and firefighters and rescuers safe.
Common questions
What is a TFR?
A temporary flight restriction: airspace the FAA closes for a set time to most aircraft and drones, for events like VIP visits, wildfires, rocket launches and stadium games.
Do TFRs apply to drones?
Yes. Drones must stay out of TFRs just like airplanes. Check B4UFLY before every flight.
How big is a presidential TFR?
Usually a 30-nautical-mile ring with a 10-nautical-mile inner core, though the exact size is in each NOTAM.
Can I fly a drone near a stadium?
Not during major sporting events. The airspace within 3 nautical miles is closed up to 3,000 feet from an hour before to an hour after the event.