FAA Private Pilot Helicopter (PRH)Navigation and AirspaceMedium
A pilot is planning a cross-country flight that will pass near a stadium hosting a major sporting event later that day. Where should the pilot check to determine whether a temporary flight restriction (TFR) is in effect over that area?
- AThe sectional chart legend
- BThe pilot's operating handbook
- CCurrent NOTAMs
- DThe Airport/Facility Directory only
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Current NOTAMs
Temporary flight restrictions are issued and published through NOTAMs, since they are short-term and not printed on static sectional charts. Pilots must check current NOTAMs during flight planning to identify TFRs.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Sectional chart legends explain symbols but do not show temporary restrictions.
- B. The POH covers aircraft performance and limitations, not airspace restrictions.
- D. The A/FD (now Chart Supplement) lists airport data, not temporary restrictions.
Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR)
A TFR is a short-term airspace restriction issued by NOTAM to protect people, events, or assets, such as sporting events, VIP movement, or disaster areas.
- Published via NOTAM, not sectional charts
- Common for stadiums, wildfires, VIP movement
- Violation can result in certificate action
- Pilots must check NOTAMs before every flight
Memory trick: TFRs pop up like traffic cones — always check the latest NOTAM 'road report.'