AOPA provides graphical depictions of national security TFRs

The long holiday weekend is here, and many pilots are planning to take to the skies. But this Memorial Day weekend is much different than last year's, with nearly two dozen longstanding temporary flight restriction (TFR) areas scattered across the country for national security reasons.

In an effort to help pilots steer clear of those areas, AOPA has created graphical depictions of the 21 national security TFRs (look for "see graphic" at the end of the particular notams). These graphical TFRs are for information only and should not be used for navigation.

In addition to the 21 TFRs depicted, the "blanket" TFR restricting flight over professional or collegiate sporting events or major outdoor gatherings remains in effect. Pilots must remain at least 3 nm away from and more than 3,000 feet above any such event or gathering.

There is also a nationwide advisory for aircraft to remain away from nuclear power plants, water supplies, and other such assets. Pilots who do fly over such a facility should not loiter.

As always, pilots should request the most recent notams for these and any other flight restrictions during their preflight briefings.

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