Temporary flight restrictions (TFRs)
(Reprinted In Cooperation With The AOPA 9/20/01)

You Need To Know
TFRs can be considered no-fly zones for most aircraft. They temporarily prohibit flight over certain areas and are disseminated via NOTAM.

After the attack on September 11, 2001 numerous TFRs have been established for security reasons. Pilots must check all NOTAMs during flight planning. During this national emergency TFRs are changing and new ones are being created frequently.

The TFR NOTAM will begin with the phrase "FLIGHT RESTRICTIONS" followed by:

1. The location of the TFR area;
2. The effective period;
3. The defined area;
4. The altitudes affected;
5. The FAA coordination facility and commercial telephone number;
6. The reason for the temporary flight restrictions;
7. The agency directing any relief activities and its commercial telephone number;
8. Any other information considered appropriate by the issuing authority.

Nice To Know
TFRs may be established to:

1. Protect people and property in the air or on the ground from an existing or imminent hazard associated with an incident on the surface.
2. Provide a safe environment for disaster relief aircraft;
3. Prevent sightseeing aircraft above an incident, accident, or large assembly of people.
4. Protect the President, Vice President, or other public figures;
5. Provide a safe environment for space operations;

The FSS nearest the incident site is usually the "coordination facility" between emergency control authorities and affected aircraft. The ARTCC may act as liaison for the emergency control authorities if adequate communications cannot be established between the designated FSS and the relief organization.

Click Here For AOPA's Plain Language Interpretation of the 9/10/01 TFR/NOTAM