AUSTIN (KXAN) — More Temporary Flight Restrictions have been issued for parts of Central Texas as the search continues for those who remain missing after devastating floods swept across the state.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Thursday issued two new Temporary Flight Restrictions, or TFRs, in the Hill Country.
Temporary Flight Restrictions are issued by the Federal Aviation Administration and restrict aircraft (including drones) from operating without permission in a certain area for a limited time, according to the FAA website. They are communicated through Notices to Airmen, or NOTAMs. Pilots must always check NOTAMs prior to their flights, per the FAA.
A press release from the FAA said the TFRs were issued because “the search efforts in Kerr County and beyond create an ongoing operation with a high volume of aircraft operating in a tight corridor,” and “adherence to the temporary flight restrictions rules must be followed for the safety of all aircraft and ground personnel within the area.”
Reasons for issuing a TFR, according to the FAA, include:
- Natural disasters such as wildfires and hurricanes
- Certain major sporting events
- Emergency or national security situations
There are six different TFR types: Space Operations, Air Shows/Sports, Security, Hazards, VIP, and Special.
One of the two TFRs issued Thursday is categorized as security, and the other is VIP, which are typically issued to protect travel of the President, Vice President, or other high-ranking government officials, according to the National Business Aviation Association.
President Donald Trump is expected to visit Kerrville on Friday, along with several Texas political leaders.
The area and time frame of TFRs are subject to change, but active TFRs are published on the FAA’s TFR website and updated in real time.
TFRs are also displayed in FAA resources for drone pilots:
- Low Altitude Authorization And Notification Capability (LAANC) – applications provided by FAA-approved companies to deliver airspace authorizations on behalf of the FAA
- B4UFLY App – an app designed for recreational drone flyers
Only pilots cleared through the Air Operations Center (AOC) may operate within the TFR. After pilots receive clearance, their activity will be tracked. Those with a legitimate need to operate within the TFR can contact the Air Operations Center – UAS Command at (936) 577-2370.