No intercepts, please

TFRs often pop up on very short notice, especially presidential TFRs (or VIP TFR). VIP TFR also applies to the vice president or other important government officials, per FAR 91.141. It is issued for shortly before, during, and shortly after a VIP is expected in an area. This notam may be issued from under a day to up to a week before the visit and has the highest restrictions. GA aircraft movement is limited in a VIP TFR.

Pilots should check notams (notices to air missions; formerly notices to airmen) before each flight. Pilots should obtain up-to-date information about TFRs from the FAA or flight service. TFRs are issued for safety or security purposes.

A GA incursion of a presidential TFR increases scrutiny from the security and military services tasked with presidential protection. It also contributes to the idea from some that more should be done to keep general aviation flights at a greater distance. Incursions attract media attention and present GA in a negative light. Whenever a general aviation pilot violates a presidential TFR, a series of events is triggered across the presidential protective service, law enforcement, and the military. These security services take incursions to the restricted airspace seriously, and the response extends from the president’s immediate protective service members through to the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) system. The offending flight is intercepted, radio contact is attempted, and failing that, flares may be released to try to gain attention. If an incursion appears to pose an imminent threat, the use of deadly force could be an option.

Other reasons for issuing a TFR include natural disasters such as wildfires and hurricanes, certain major sporting events, and emergency or national security situations. TFRs include details about who may get approval to fly in them. Typically, only public safety agencies, first responders, and other organizations such as media may be eligible for approval. [email protected]