Presidential TFRs

FAR 91.141 — Presidential TFRs

FAR 91.141 prohibits flying near the President, VP, or other public figures contrary to NOTAM restrictions. Learn what pilots must check before every flight.

In Plain English

FAR 91.141 prohibits operating an aircraft over or near any area being visited or traveled by the President, Vice President, or other public figures in a way that conflicts with restrictions issued by the FAA Administrator and published in a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM).

In practice, this is the rule behind VIP Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs). Whenever the President travels — even briefly — a TFR is published defining a protected airspace, usually with:

An inner core where flight is generally prohibited
An outer ring where operations are limited (often requires a flight plan and discrete transponder code while in two-way radio communication with ATC)

Why it matters operationally: violating a Presidential TFR can result in interception by military aircraft, certificate suspension, civil penalties, and even criminal charges. Because these TFRs can be issued on short notice and change frequently, every pilot must check NOTAMs during preflight planning — every flight, every time. Tools like the FAA's TFR list and ForeFlight/Garmin Pilot briefings make this routine, but the legal duty rests with the pilot in command.

Regulation Text

14 CFR § 91.141

§ 91.141 Flight restrictions in the proximity of the Presidential and other parties. No person may operate an aircraft over or in the vicinity of any area to be visited or traveled by the President, the Vice President, or other public figures contrary to the restrictions established by the Administrator and published in a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM).

Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask

Q1What regulation governs flight near the President or other VIPs, and how are the restrictions communicated to pilots?

FAR 91.141 prohibits operating an aircraft over or near areas visited or traveled by the President, Vice President, or other public figures contrary to restrictions established by the Administrator and published in a NOTAM.

Q2Before a cross-country flight, how do you ensure compliance with FAR 91.141?

Per FAR 91.141, the restrictions are published by NOTAM, so I review all current NOTAMs — including TFRs — during preflight planning using an official source such as the FAA NOTAM system or a certified EFB briefing.

Q3Does FAR 91.141 apply only to the President?

No. FAR 91.141 applies to flights over or in the vicinity of areas visited or traveled by the President, the Vice President, or other public figures, whenever restrictions are established by the Administrator and published in a NOTAM.

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Related Sections in Part 91

§ 91.1

Part 91 Applicability