While we don’t know yet who will be facing off in Super Bowl XLIX, it’s not too early to make plans to fly in if you have tickets or if you want to watch the game from a Glendale, Arizona, establishment. The FAA released the Super Bowl flight advisory Jan. 2 to provide an advance look at what the notam will likely include, so that pilots can make plans to comply with the special operations or steer clear of the area because of an anticipated influx in traffic.
From 3:25 until 11:59 p.m. local on Feb. 1, the FAA will establish a 30-nautical-mile-radius temporary flight restriction over Glendale, Arizona. Similar to a presidential TFR, it also will have an inner 10-nm GA no-fly zone.
The flight advisory details what flight operations are prohibited as well as the process required for flight within the 10- to 30-nm outer ring.
AOPA plans to discuss the TFR details with the FAA and the North American Aerospace Defense Command and will release more details as they become available. In the meantime, pilots should review the flight advisory.
Traffic management
AOPA Manager of Aviation Security Tom Zecha said that pilots flying to the big game should note that there will not be an FAA slot-based Special Traffic Management Program implemented for the Super Bowl. However, reservations will be required Jan. 29 to Feb. 2 for arrivals and departures at Phoenix Sky Harbor International, Glendale Municipal Airport, Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, Phoenix Deer Valley Airport, Phoenix Goodyear Airport, Falcon Field Airport (Mesa), and Chandler Municipal Airport. Scottsdale Airport will require reservations on Feb. 1 and 2.
