FAA Outlines Banned Activities in Upcoming Papal TFRs

The FAA is beginning to outline its plans for flight restrictions during the U.S. Papal visit by Pope Francis next month. The agency released a flight advisory yesterday, saying it is planning to issue one or more TFRs covering the Pope’s planned visit to Philadelphia on September 26 and 27. Driven by the Department of Homeland Security, the TFRs will be “designed to provide a safe and secure environment for the event but also ensure fair and equitable access to all airspace users to the greatest extent possible,” the FAA said.

While the flight advisory does not detail all the anticipated restrictions, it does specify a number of activities and types of operations that will be banned, including model aircraft, unmanned aircraft, aerobatic maneuvers, gliders, parachute operations, ultralights, lighter-than-air (balloons), agricultural type spraying, banner towing, utility/pipeline patrols or aircraft/helicopters operating from a ship or yacht.  Other activities that will be prohibited include model rockets, maintenance flights, flight training and practice approaches. While a number of activities are banned, the agency highlighted the fact that the affected areas will be a "no-drone zone."

Philadelphia is one of three cities the Pope is scheduled to visit between September 22 and 27. Other cities include Washington, D.C., and New York. NBAA advises that pilots can expect TFRs at all three locations. Meanwhile, the FAA is also advising pilots to check Notams frequently.