FAAYour surveying company is a title sponsor for a race team at the Indianapolis 500. To promote your new aerial surveying department, you decide to video part of the race using a small UA. The FAA has issued a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) for the race in the area you plan to fly. In this situation
- ❌A:you may fly your drone in the TFR since your company is sponsoring a team at the race.
- ✅B:the TFR applies to all aircraft; you may not fly in the area without a Certificate of Waiver or Authorization.
- ❌C:flying your drone is allowed if you notify all non-participating people of the closed course UA operation.
Explanations
- A: This is incorrect. Sponsorship of an event does not grant any special flight privileges in restricted airspace. Flying in a TFR without authorization can lead to safety hazards, including potential collisions, and regulatory consequences such as fines and legal issues.
- B: This is correct. TFRs apply to all aircraft, including drones. To fly in a TFR, you must obtain a Certificate of Waiver or Authorization from the FAA. Failure to comply can result in safety risks, regulatory violations, and potential harm to your business reputation and profitability.
- C: This is incorrect. Notifying non-participating people does not override TFR restrictions. Ignoring a TFR can lead to safety risks such as potential collisions, regulatory consequences, and damage to your business reputation and profitability.
🧭 Instructor Note
Why This Matters for Your Business
Understanding and complying with Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) is crucial for any drone business. Violating a TFR can lead to safety hazards, regulatory fines, and damage to your business reputation. In a competitive market, maintaining a clean safety and compliance record can give your business a significant advantage.
Safety & Liability Considerations
Ignoring a TFR can lead to serious safety risks, including potential collisions with other aircraft. This can result in damage, injury, and even loss of life. From a liability perspective, such incidents can lead to substantial fines, legal issues, and increased insurance premiums.
Consider This Scenario
A real estate company plans to use a drone to capture aerial footage of a property during a local marathon. The FAA has issued a TFR for the event, covering the area where the company plans to fly. Despite being a sponsor of the marathon, the company correctly decides not to fly the drone in the TFR without obtaining a Certificate of Waiver or Authorization from the FAA. This decision ensures the safety of the event participants and spectators, and keeps the company in compliance with FAA regulations.
What the FAA is Testing
The FAA wants to ensure that remote pilots understand the importance of TFRs and the need to obtain a Certificate of Waiver or Authorization to fly in a TFR. This is a key aspect of maintaining safety and compliance in drone operations.
Business Success Strategy
Always check for TFRs before planning a drone flight. If a TFR is in place, apply for a Certificate of Waiver or Authorization well in advance. Communicate your commitment to safety and compliance to your clients, which can help build trust and enhance your business reputation.
Memory Aid
Remember, TFRs apply to all aircraft, including drones.
Enhanced References
FAA's TFR Map, FAA's Guide to Applying for a Certificate of Waiver or Authorization, Case Studies of TFR Violations.
Related Concepts
- Understanding TFRs
- Waiver application process
- Airspace restrictions for events
ACS Code: UA.II.A.K3
Difficulty: intermediate