Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) are one of the most commonly overlooked hazards in aviation, and one of the easiest to avoid. On Day 28 of the 31-Day Safer Pilot Challenge 2026, MzeroA’s Martin explains what TFRs are, why they matter, and how a simple preflight habit can keep pilots safe, legal, and stress-free. Whether you’re flying locally, or have a cross-country flight, checking for TFRs before every flight is a non-negotiable step toward truly trouble-free flying.
What is a Temporary Flight Restriction and Why Does It Matter?
A Temporary Flight Restriction is exactly what the name implies: a temporary restriction of airspace issued via a NOTAM. TFRs are created for many reasons, including VIP travel, wildfire operations, disaster relief efforts, major sporting events, and national security concerns.
TFRs are not optional, and that is the main thing to understand. If a pilot enters a TFR without authorization, it can result in serious consequences, including interception by military aircraft, hefty fines, or even suspension of their pilot certificate.
Where to Find TFR Information Before Every Flight
Checking for TFRs is simple when pilots know where to look. The FAA maintains an official TFR website with an interactive map that clearly displays current restrictions. This should be reviewed before every flight, without exception.
TFRs also appear in standard weather briefings, whether pilots are calling 1-800-WX-BRIEF or using electronic flight bag (EFB) tools such as ForeFlight. These tools make it easy to spot TFRs, often displayed as red circles directly on the moving map. Many EFBs even allow pilots to set alerts to avoid getting too close to restricted airspace.
Why TFR Violations Are Still So Common
Since September 11, the number of TFRs has increased significantly, especially around VIP travel and large-scale events. Unfortunately, violations have increased as well. Thousands of pilots have inadvertently busted TFRs over the years, including many near high-profile locations like Mar-a-Lago.
These violations are rarely intentional. Most occur because pilots fail to check for TFRs or assume they would “already know” if one existed. That assumption can be costly. Staying out of these statistics starts with building disciplined habits into every preflight.
The Simple Habit That Prevents Trouble
The takeaway from Day 28 is clear: always check for TFRs before every flight, even short and local ones. Make it part of the standard preflight procedure. Double-check the route on an EFB, review the weather briefing, and visually verify the boundaries of any restricted airspace.
If a pilot ever finds themselves near a TFR, it’s critical to monitor 121.5 and be familiar with standard intercept procedures. Preparation and awareness are the best defenses against unnecessary risk.
Safer Pilot Challenge 2026
The Safer Pilot Challenge is our yearly vow to help you become a smarter, safer pilot, and it runs all month long every January, wrapping up with our big livestream finale on January 31! We’re giving away prizes throughout the month, so be sure to watch each YouTube video and leave the specific comment to enter for a chance to win. Are you committing to 31 for 31 days of the Safer Pilot Challenge? If you love our free content, just imagine what our full courses can do for you. We’d love to welcome you into our ground schools! Start today with a free 2-week trial and see if MzeroA is the right fit for your aviation journey!