What is a TFR? Temporary Flight Restrictions
A TFR is what each of the letters represent. In short, it’s a defined boundary where there may be restrictions for that given airspace. TFR’s can come in the presence of Permanent & Temporary TFR’s. In the real world and for those in the USA, a Permanent TFR can be observed over our nations capital. Temporary TFR’s can be found over sports arenas where the general public would be exposed to aircraft in the open sky (closed roof stadiums will not receive TFRs), wild fire burn areas, other natural disaster locations, rocket launch facilities like that over Cape Canaveral, etc. Some countries look to use them more than others so if you’re ever interested to see what airspace may have restrictions in your country, be sure to search the web for TFR’s
In Infinite Flight these will be found on the Expert Server. TFRs are depicted by big red circles as well as small red circles. The diameter of them will vary based on the reason for the placement of the TFR. If the circle is red, this will indicate to you that the TFR is “hot/active”. In some instances a TFR may be place prior to a scheduled event and may be of the color orange. This will let you know that the TFR that is placed there is “cold/inactive” but will go “hot/active” at the scheduled time.
More information about these TFR’s in Infinite Flight can be found simply by clicking within the TFR and then clicking on the TFR data tag (similar in regards to what you would do with any other airport).
To ensure you will not be violating a TFR, its always best to check your route of flight prior to departure and check for any of these depicted “red circles”. It’s also important to note that if you do fly through one, to make sure that you and your aircraft will not be violating any sort of size restrictions that may apply.
Permanent TFR’s
Eagle, Colorado, USA (KEGE):
- Issued: 09/02/2016
- Expires: 09/02/2066
- Notes: No aircraft larger than a 757 or A321 are permitted at this airport.
Aspen, Colorado, USA (KASE):
- Issued: 09/02/2016
- Expires: 09/02/2066
- Notes: Special Airport Procedures: Runway 15 in use for arriving traffic and Runway 33 in use for departing traffic. All Runway 33 departures must turn right 15 degrees immediately after takeoff to deconflict with arrivals on Runway 15. No aircraft larger than a 757 or A321 are permitted at this airport.
The Rocky Mountain TFR's
Lukla, Khumbu, Nepal (VNLK):
- Issued: 10/22/2017
- Expires: 10/27/2120
- Notes: Prop General Aviation only. No other aircraft are permitted due to airport size.
Temporary TFR’s
These temporary TFRs will generally be found on a Friday Night Flight (FNF) event. Not all FNF’s will have a TFR but its something to keep in mind. Infinite Flight Staff will occasionally place these TFRs on, around, or near the focus airport(s) for this weekly event. It’s important to note that you may see restrictions on airports preventing you from flying between certain airports due to the fact that the distance between them is short. This short hop causes a conflict with the controllers who would be dealing with over 200 aircraft trying to depart/arrive the focus airport for this event. These Temporary TFRs in particular are the ones to keep an eye out for because they will be in areas you wouldn’t normally expect. Again, its key to ensure that you have an understanding of the airspace and your route of flight prior to engine start.
TFR’s in general aren’t meant to scare folks away. It’s a control factor to ensure that folks who would be violating the airspace wouldn’t get in or cause issues with others looking to enjoy a realistic expierence.