Not without authorization. A TFR (Temporary Flight Restriction) closes a piece of airspace for a set time, and drones are almost never allowed in unless the FAA or the TFR's controlling agency approves the flight. TFRs are published as NOTAMs, but not every NOTAM bans drones: many just warn pilots about a crane, an airshow or a closed runway. Check before every flight, because TFRs pop up for wildfires, VIP visits and sporting events with little notice.
TFR vs NOTAM
- NOTAM (Notice to Air Missions): a notice about anything that affects flying, from a lit tower being out to a parachute jump. Some apply to drones, many don't.
- TFR: a type of NOTAM that restricts flight in a defined area, altitude and time window. The FAA says TFRs are non-permanent airspace restrictions issued through the US NOTAM system.
If the NOTAM text says the area is restricted to certain aircraft, a drone isn't one of them unless specifically authorized.
Common TFRs that catch drone pilots
| TFR | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Stadiums | Within 3 NM, at or below 3,000 ft AGL, for MLB, NFL, NCAA Division I football and major motor speedway events at stadiums seating 30,000+, from 1 hour before to 1 hour after the event |
| Wildfires | Airspace over and around active fires, so firefighting aircraft can fly low |
| VIP movement | Presidential and other VIP visits; often large, with an inner core |
| Disasters | Hurricanes, floods, search and rescue areas |
| Special events | Large events such as the Super Bowl and the FIFA World Cup 2026, which had its own drone restrictions |
The stadium TFR applies across the whole country, every game, even though you won't see a new NOTAM for each one.
How to check
- Use an FAA-approved app before each flight: B4UFLY apps like Aloft show active and upcoming TFRs. See best drone airspace apps.
- Check the FAA's TFR list at tfr.faa.gov for the full text.
- Read the times. A TFR may be scheduled for later the same day.
- Check again if your plans move. Wildfire TFRs grow fast.
DJI Fly's map shows DJI's own geo zones. They're helpful, but they aren't the FAA's official TFR source.
Getting authorization: SGI
For flights that support an emergency response, the FAA has a Special Governmental Interest (SGI) process. It's for first responders and organizations doing work like firefighting, search and rescue, law enforcement, utility restoration, damage assessment for insurance claims, and some news coverage.
- You need an existing Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107) or a COA. If approved, the FAA adds an amendment to that authorization.
- Apply through the TSA/FAA Waiver and Airspace Access Program portal and choose "Part 107 Special Government Interest."
- For time-sensitive operations, the FAA's System Operations Support Center (SOSC) handles real-time requests.
- If denied, don't fly.
Recreational flyers can't use SGI. For a TFR around a VIP or a sporting event, the controlling agency named in the NOTAM decides, and approvals for hobby flights are rare.
Penalties
The FAA warns that substantial fines and penalties can be levied on remote pilots and recreational flyers who enter restricted airspace. Flying in a wildfire TFR can ground firefighting aircraft, and drone incursions at fires have led to criminal charges. Drone detection is now common at stadiums and big events.
Other restricted airspace
TFRs are temporary. Some restrictions are permanent: Washington, DC, military bases, and some federal prisons and other sites under 14 CFR 99.7 Special Security Instructions. See drone no-fly zones and flying in controlled airspace.
Rules current as of November 2026. This is general information, not legal advice.
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