A client requests a sUAS flight to capture aerial video during a college football game with an anticipated attendance of 35,000 spectators. The pilot plans to fly within 3 nautical miles of the stadium, one hour before kickoff. What airspace restriction applies?
- AThe restriction only applies during the actual game, not one hour before or after
- BNo restriction applies to sUAS because stadium TFRs only govern manned aircraft
- CThe flight is permitted as long as the operator holds a valid Part 107 remote pilot certificate
- DA stadium TFR under 14 CFR 99.7 restricts flight within 3 nautical miles and up to 3,000 feet AGL of the stadium from one hour before to one hour after the event
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. A stadium TFR under 14 CFR 99.7 restricts flight within 3 nautical miles and up to 3,000 feet AGL of the stadium from one hour before to one hour after the event
Stadium TFRs apply to any Major League Baseball, NFL, NCAA Division I football, or major motor speedway event with a seating capacity of 30,000 or more and restrict flight within 3 NM and below 3,000 feet AGL from one hour before to one hour after the event, applying to sUAS as well as manned aircraft.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. The restriction extends one hour before and after the event, not just during it.
- B. Stadium TFRs restrict all aircraft, including sUAS, not just manned aircraft.
- C. Holding a Part 107 certificate does not exempt a pilot from stadium TFRs.
Stadium TFR (14 CFR 99.7)
Automatic TFR restricting aircraft within 3 NM and below 3,000 feet AGL around stadiums seating 30,000+ during specified major sporting events, from one hour before to one hour after.
- Applies to MLB, NFL, NCAA Div I football, NASCAR/IndyCar events
- 30,000+ seating capacity triggers the restriction
- Effective one hour before to one hour after the event
Memory trick: '30,000 fans, 3 miles, 3,000 feet, one hour each way' for stadium TFRs.