Where You Can't Fly a Drone: TFRs, Stadiums, Parks, and No-Fly Zones

"Can I fly here?" is the question every drone pilot should ask before every flight. Here's a plain-English map of where drones are restricted, and how to check them.

(General information, not legal advice. Always verify at faa.gov/uas and check state/local rules.)

Controlled airspace (without authorization)

You need prior authorization to fly in Class B, C, D, and surface E airspace. That's usually the airspace near airports. Most of the time you get it near-instantly through LAANC. Sometimes you go through the FAA DroneZone instead. In uncontrolled Class G, you don't need authorization at all. (See LAANC vs. DroneZone.)

Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs)

TFRs pop up around wildfires, disasters, VIP/presidential movements, and major events. They're temporary and change daily, so check NOTAMs / tfr.faa.gov before every flight. Flying into an active firefighting TFR is one of the most dangerous mistakes a pilot can make. It's also one of the most heavily penalized.

Stadiums and major sporting events

A standing TFR prohibits drone flight within 3 nautical miles of stadiums seating 30,000+, from one hour before to one hour after major MLB, NFL, NCAA, and NASCAR events.

National parks

The National Park Service generally prohibits launching, landing, or operating drones within national park boundaries. Other public lands and many city and county parks set their own rules. Always check locally.

Prohibited and restricted areas

Prohibited areas (like P-56 over the U.S. Capitol and White House) are off-limits at all times. Restricted areas contain hazards and require permission. Both are marked on sectional charts.

Security-sensitive locations

Some areas around military bases, critical infrastructure, and other sensitive sites carry FAA-designated restrictions. When you're not sure, check.

How to check every time

1. An airspace app / B4UFLY / a LAANC provider for airspace and grid ceilings.
2. NOTAMs / tfr.faa.gov for TFRs.
3. Local rules: state law and park/city ordinances.

The bottom line

The FAA controls the airspace. Stadiums, parks, and local governments add their own no-fly rules on top of it. "Can I fly here?" should be a five-minute check before every job, not a guess.

Reading airspace fluently is a core Part 107 skill. Our Part 107 course and Pilot Tools airspace trainer make it second nature.

General information only. Not legal advice. Verify at faa.gov/uas and with state/local authorities.