Temporary Flight Restrictions and NOTAMS
By now, most readers have heard the term TFR, and perhaps even been affected by one. A Temporary Flight Restriction is a type of NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) issued by the FAA that defines an area with restricted air travel because of a hazardous condition, a special event, or a general warning for the entire airspace.
In the past, TFRs were primarily used to restrict air traffic above extraordinary ground-based situations to protect the individuals involved and to facilitate the ingress and egress of aircraft working the situation. Typically, TFRs are used to facilitate firefighting efforts, law-enforcement situations, and rescue operations during natural disasters. At times they are used during large spectator events and open-air assemblies such as air shows and sporting events. They are also used during serious mishaps such as airplane crashes and most recently, wildfires.
Since the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, TFRs have been increasingly used for security purposes to thwart potential terrorist activity. They are now being used to protect VIP travel around the country, high-profile international events such as the Olympics, political conventions, and NASA activities such as space shuttle operations at the Kennedy Space Center.
Model aviation has not always been significantly affected by TFRs; however, in the post-September 11 era, model airplanes have come under much closer scrutiny and the performance capabilities of the current aeromodeling technology has heightened the perceived threat attributed to model aircraft.
TFRs come in all shapes and sizes, and fortunately, model aviation is only affected by those with the most stringent restrictions. TFRs affecting model airplanes were first issued in 2004, as part of the security measures put in place for the Republican and Democratic National Conventions.
Since that time, hundreds of TFRs have been issued restricting model airplane operations in locations across the country. TFRs are usually in effect for anywhere from a few hours to a few days; however, some have restricted model aircraft activities for several weeks.
TFRs that have an impact on aeromodeling typically involve a 32-nautical-mile circle around a given set of coordinates. The circle establishes an area in which model airplane operations are prohibited during the specified times of the TFR. The prohibition of model airplane operations is specifically stated in the TFR in a paragraph restricting all sport aviation groups: “Outdoor radio control model aircraft operations are prohibited within the **nm circle for the specific times listed below. Control Line and Free Flight modelers should use discretion when operating within the TFR.”
From a security standpoint, the concept is to create a “sterile” area in which all nonessential air traffic is grounded and in which only those aircraft that are under positive air traffic control are allowed to fly. As such, anything else that pops up is immediately considered suspect.
The AMA is committed to keeping its members informed and is doing everything possible to get TFR information out to the membership in a timely manner. The AMA is currently included in the initial email distribution used in publishing the TFRs. When a new TFR notice comes in, it is immediately posted on Facebook, Twitter, and the AMA website. The AMA membership records and club roster are searched, and an email distribution is sent to all members and clubs in the affected area.
From a modeler’s point of view, the first reaction might be, “You’ve got to be kidding me!” and the inclination might be to dismiss it and ignore the TFR, but under federal regulation, the US government can “pursue criminal charges,” so this issue is something to take seriously.
2016 NRPA Annual Conference
Tyler Dobbs, the newest member of AMA’s Public Relations & Government Affairs team, represented the AMA at the Annual National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) Conference in October in St. Louis. Tyler shared the following about the conference:
AMA members have been flying safely and responsibly in parks across the country for 80 years; however, recent years have shown a decline in the number of parks that allow UAS operations.
In an effort to remedy this situation, AMA is taking a more proactive strategy toward better relationships with parks departments across the country, in an effort to return model aircraft to many parks that have cut ties since the recent influx of sUAS. With so many stories and personal accounts of sUAS restrictions and bans across the country, it was somewhat surprising how welcoming the NRPA Conference attendees were to AMA’s presence.
During the 2016 NRPA Conference, AMA representatives were much in demand. We often found ourselves with large numbers of park officials asking questions and trying to listen in on what was being discussed. What was being discussed?
It seems that many of the parks across the country that currently do not allow sUAS operations are ready to create a place for AMA members to fly. AMA heard from park officials that the banning of sUAS operations was by city officials, and the decision was out of their hands.
This doesn’t mean that getting back into these parks is hopeless. In fact, many park directors have been asked to speak directly to the officials making a case for flying sites inside parks. Many of these park directors are not well enough informed to speak about our hobby, and this is where our members may be able to help out.
City officials and lawmakers often look to local citizens for their experience and expertise in specific situations. AMA may be calling on its leader members and clubs to discuss our hobby with officials and parks department representatives in their cities.
AMA Headquarters can help you with these endeavors, but we are looking to these members for their specific stories, memories, and experiences. Most of the park directors agreed that allowing sUAS operations in their parks wouldn’t happen overnight, and that there are still concerns such as safety, privacy, and insurance accountability, but also agreed that the AMA has an extraordinary history of safe and responsible flying.
The 2016 NRPA conference also provided a look into military base recreation across the country. Many of the conference discussion panels were focused on finding new, family-friendly hobbies that can take place on military bases and properties. The military representatives stated that military base hobbies should focus on reducing stress and increasing family togetherness, in an effort to promote soldier wellness and field readiness.
Those of us representing AMA had some great conversations with the active and retired military presenters, giving us a chance to highlight our history of operations on military properties and offering to be a resource for future possibilities. This was a great opportunity to highlight the work that AMA does with disabled veterans and wounded servicemen and women across the country. Many in the military were unaware that several AMA clubs hold events designed to help veterans learn how to fly, and were thrilled when offered these resources.
—Chad Budreau
Public Relations & Government Affairs Director
chadb@modelaircraft.org
