FAR 91.145 — Sporting Event TFRs
FAR 91.145 explains TFRs the FAA issues by NOTAM for aerial demonstrations and major sporting events. Learn dimensions, exemptions, and pilot requirements.
In Plain English
FAR 91.145 governs temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) the FAA establishes around aerial demonstrations and major sporting events. When the FAA decides a TFR is needed to protect people, property, or airspace efficiency, it publishes a NOTAM describing the restricted area.
Common events listed include:
- Blue Angels, Thunderbirds, and Golden Knights demonstrations
- Summer/Winter Olympics, World Cup, World Series, MLB All-Star Game
- Rose Bowl, Indianapolis 500
- Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta and Sandia Hang Gliding Competition
The NOTAM lists the event name, effective dates and times, coordinates, and any operating restrictions. Once issued, no pilot may operate inside the TFR unless cleared by ATC or operating under a Flight Standards Certificate of Waiver or Authorization.
Typical TFR sizes: 5 NM radius up to 17,000 ft MSL for high-performance aerial demonstrations, and 3 NM radius up to 2,500 ft AGL for sporting events. NOTAMs are normally issued at least 30 days in advance. Operationally, this means you must always check NOTAMs before every flight — busting one of these TFRs can mean certificate action.
Regulation Text
14 CFR § 91.145§ 91.145 Management of aircraft operations in the vicinity of aerial demonstrations and major sporting events.
(a) The FAA will issue a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) designating an area of airspace in which a temporary flight restriction applies when it determines that a temporary flight restriction is necessary to protect persons or property on the surface or in the air, to maintain air safety and efficiency, or to prevent the unsafe congestion of aircraft in the vicinity of an aerial demonstration or major sporting event. These demonstrations and events may include:
(1) United States Naval Flight Demonstration Team (Blue Angels);
(2) United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron (Thunderbirds);
(3) United States Army Parachute Team (Golden Knights);
(4) Summer/Winter Olympic Games;
(5) Annual Tournament of Roses Football Game;
(6) World Cup Soccer;
(7) Major League Baseball All-Star Game;
(8) World Series;
(9) Kodak Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta;
(10) Sandia Classic Hang Gliding Competition;
(11) Indianapolis 500 Mile Race;
(12) Any other aerial demonstration or sporting event the FAA determines to need a temporary flight restriction in accordance with paragraph (b) of this section.
(b) In deciding whether a temporary flight restriction is necessary for an aerial demonstration or major sporting event not listed in paragraph (a) of this section, the FAA considers the following factors:
(1) Area where the event will be held.
(2) Effect flight restrictions will have on known aircraft operations.
(3) Any existing ATC airspace traffic management restrictions.
(4) Estimated duration of the event.
(5) Degree of public interest.
(6) Number of spectators.
(7) Provisions for spectator safety.
(8) Number and types of participating aircraft.
(9) Use of mixed high and low performance aircraft.
(10) Impact on non-participating aircraft.
(11) Weather minimums.
(12) Emergency procedures that will be in effect.
(c) A NOTAM issued under this section will state the name of the aerial demonstration or sporting event and specify the effective dates and times, the geographic features or coordinates, and any other restrictions or procedures governing flight operations in the designated airspace.
(d) When a NOTAM has been issued in accordance with this section, no person may operate an aircraft or device, or engage in any activity within the designated airspace area, except in accordance with the authorizations, terms, and conditions of the temporary flight restriction published in the NOTAM, unless otherwise authorized by:
(1) Air traffic control; or
(2) A Flight Standards Certificate of Waiver or Authorization issued for the demonstration or event.
(e) For the purpose of this section:
(1)The amount of airspace needed to protect persons and property on the surface or in the air, to maintain air safety and efficiency, or to prevent the unsafe congestion of aircraft will vary depending on the aerial demonstration and the factors listed in paragraph (b) of this section. The restricted airspace area will normally be limited to a 5 nautical mile radius from the center of the demonstration and an altitude 17000 mean sea level (for high performance aircraft) or 13000 feet above the surface (for certain parachute operations), but will be no greater than the minimum airspace necessary for the management of aircraft operations in the vicinity of the specified area.
(2)The amount of airspace needed to protect persons and property on the surface or in the air, to maintain air safety and efficiency, or to prevent the unsafe congestion of aircraft will vary depending on the size of the event and the factors listed in paragraph (b) of this section. The restricted airspace will normally be limited to a 3 nautical mile radius from the center of the event and 2500 feet above the surface but will not be greater than the minimum airspace necessary for the management of aircraft operations in the vicinity of the specified area.
(f) A NOTAM issued under this section will be issued at least 30 days in advance of an aerial demonstration or a major sporting event, unless the FAA finds good cause for a shorter period and explains this in the NOTAM.
(g) When warranted, the FAA Administrator may exclude the following flights from the provisions of this section:
(1) Essential military.
(2) Medical and rescue.
(3) Presidential and Vice Presidential.
(4) Visiting heads of state.
(5) Law enforcement and security.
(6) Public health and welfare.
[Docket FAA-2000-8274, 66 FR 47378, Sept. 11, 2001]
Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask
Q1How does the FAA notify pilots of a temporary flight restriction for an air show or major sporting event?
Per FAR 91.145, the FAA issues a NOTAM that states the event name, effective dates and times, geographic coordinates, and any operating restrictions, normally at least 30 days in advance.
Q2What are the typical dimensions of a TFR established under FAR 91.145?
FAR 91.145 specifies the TFR is normally limited to a 5 NM radius up to 17,000 ft MSL for aerial demonstrations, or a 3 NM radius up to 2,500 ft AGL for major sporting events.
Q3If a TFR under 91.145 is in effect, how could you legally operate inside it?
Under FAR 91.145(d), you may only operate inside the designated airspace in accordance with the NOTAM, unless authorized by ATC or by a Flight Standards Certificate of Waiver or Authorization issued for the event.
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Related Sections in Part 91