Stadium TFRs could be tough to grasp and find, making them a possible pitfall for drone pilots. As drone know-how grows in reputation, operators should navigate these advanced airspace restrictions—particularly close to sports activities stadiums, the place TFRs are regularly in place however not at all times simple to identify in customary flight planning instruments.
Stadium TFRs: What You Must Know
Underneath FDC NOTAM 4/3621, the FAA prohibits drone flights inside 3 nautical miles (NM) and as much as 3,000 toes AGL over stadiums with a seating capability of 30,000 or extra throughout main sporting occasions. This contains:
✅ NFL, MLB, NCAA Division I Soccer, and NASCAR Dash Cup Collection occasions
✅ Lively from 1 hour earlier than till 1 hour after the occasion
These restrictions apply nationwide however aren’t at all times seen in flight planning apps. As a result of they’re issued as blanket NOTAMs moderately than particular person event-based stadium TFRs, they could not seem in instruments that rely solely on real-time NOTAM information. This widespread pitfall has led many drone pilots to fly in restricted airspace throughout sporting occasions unknowingly.
How AutoPylot Enhances Stadium Consciousness
Being an FAA-approved supplier of LAANC and B4UFLY, AutoPylot gives stadium advisories straight in-app. When planning a flight:
✅ Stadiums are marked on the AutoPylot map, guaranteeing pilots see potential restrictions.
✅ If a flight falls inside 3 NM of a stadium, AutoPylot points a Stadium Warning, notifying the pilot of the restriction.
✅ The warning identifies the precise stadium, permitting pilots to confirm occasion schedules earlier than continuing.
This added layer of consciousness ensures that drone operators utilizing AutoPylot are higher knowledgeable than these relying solely on customary NOTAM-based instruments.
Tremendous Bowl LIX TFR: Strict Airspace Limits
The FAA implements customized stadium TFRs with heightened restrictions for main occasions just like the Tremendous Bowl. Given the magnitude of the occasion, these TFRS are seen on the FAAs TFR web site and in FAA-approved apps like AutoPylot. The restrictions for Tremendous Bowl LIX are as follows;
🏟️ Tremendous Bowl LIX (February 9, 2025) at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans can have an expanded TFR:
🚫 10 NM interior core: No drone operations allowed from;
- February 5 between 2 p.m. and 11 p.m.
- February 6 between midday and 11 p.m.
- February 7 between 2 p.m. and 11 p.m.
- February 8 between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m
🚫 30 NM outer ring: No drone operations on Sunday, February 9.
- Restrictions start at 1:30 p.m. CST inside 1.5 nautical miles of the stadium as much as 2,000 toes in altitude.
- The restrictions develop between 4:30 and 10:30 p.m. CST to a 30-nautical-mile radius and as much as 18,000 toes in altitude.
Through the Tremendous Bowl stadium TFRs, drones are additionally prohibited across the downtown space throughout the days main as much as the occasion. Drone operators who enter the restricted areas with out permission may face drone confiscation, fines as much as $75,000, and potential felony prosecution.
Remaining Takeaways for Drone Pilots:
✅ Use AutoPylot for stadium visibility and data throughout flight planning.
✅ Examine FAA TFR Listings (tfr.faa.gov) to confirm TFRs earlier than the flight.
✅ Familiarize Your self with FDC NOTAM 4/3621 when working close to stadiums.
✅ Be further cautious throughout main occasions just like the Tremendous Bowl—these restrictions are extremely enforced.
By staying knowledgeable and utilizing instruments like AutoPylot, drone operators can fly safely and legally whereas avoiding expensive violations.
For extra data
FAA SuperBowl Flight Information
Non permanent Flight Restrictions
Stadium Notam