FAA Announces New TFR Process for Law Enforcement Organizations

Overview of the New TFR Process

The FAA recently issued a notice stating that, effective August 7, 2025, credentialed law enforcement organizations from state, local, tribal, or territorial (SLTT) governments may directly request a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) through the FAA. This applies to large public gatherings hosted in stadiums or other venues that meet specific criteria.

7210.960_Temporary_Flight_Restrictions_for_Unmanned_Aircraft_49_USC_Section_44812.pdf

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This new pathway allows SLTT organizations to submit requests directly to the FAA without needing federal sponsorship. However, it is crucial to note that for high UAS risk SEAR events that do not meet the 49 U.S.C. Section 44812 criteria, the existing 99.7 TFR process will remain unchanged.

Key Elements of the Notice

Below is a snapshot of the key elements from the notice along with supplemental information on how to submit requests. More detailed information will be shared as it becomes available.

Events Eligible for SLTT Submission

1. Large Public Gatherings in Stadiums or Venues

2. Must be hosted in a stadium or venue that has previously hosted events qualifying for special security instructions under Public Law 108-199, section 521. This means the venue must not be enclosed.

3. Estimated attendance must be at least 30,000 people.

5. The event must be advertised in the public domain.




6. Large Public Gatherings in Other Venues

7. Must have an estimated attendance of at least 100,000 people.

8. The event must be primarily outdoors.

9. There must be a defined and static geographical boundary.

11. The event must be advertised in the public domain.

How to Request a TFR

• The SLTT law enforcement agency must submit the TFR request to the appropriate Air Traffic Organization (ATO) Service Center Operations Support Group Manager at least 30 calendar days before the event.

• Agencies can visit the FAA UAS UDDS website map (FAA UAS UDDS Map) and follow these steps to determine their appropriate service center:

- Open the ArcGIS map and access the “Layers” menu. Uncheck all options except for “Boundary Airspace (ARTCC).”

- Enter the event location address in the search field.

- Zoom out to identify the applicable overlying ARTCC three-letter identifier for the event location.

ATO Service Centers and Associated ARTCC Identifiers

• Eastern (Boston ZBW, New York ZNY, Washington ZDC, Memphis ZME, Atlanta ZTL, Jacksonville ZJX, Miami ZMA, San Juan ZSU)

Submit requests to: 9-AJO-ESA-TFR-44812@faa.gov

• Central (Minneapolis ZMP, Chicago ZAU, Cleveland ZOB, Indianapolis ZID, Kansas City ZKC, Albuquerque ZAB, Fort Worth ZFW, Houston ZHU)

Submit requests to: 9-AJO-CSA-TFR-44812@faa.gov

• Western (Honolulu ZHN, Anchorage ZAK, Seattle ZSE, Oakland ZOA, Salt Lake ZLC, Denver ZDV, Los Angeles ZLA)

Submit requests to: 9-AJO-WSA-TFR-44812@faa.gov

Required Information for TFR Requests

Requestors should be prepared to provide the following information:

• Event name

• Date(s)

• Start and end time

• Location (address + coordinates)

• Altitude

• Radius

• Primary point of contact for the request

  
  

Degree of Restrictions

When a NOTAM has been issued establishing a TFR under this section, no person may operate an unmanned aircraft within the TFR unless at least one of the following conditions is met:

• The Administrator authorizes the operation for operational, safety, security, or compliance oversight purposes.

• The aircraft operation is conducted with the approval of the eligible entity that requested the TFR.

  
  

If you have questions, please contact your local ATO service center using the link below or refer to the attached screenshot.

Contact ATO Service Center

Conclusion

The new TFR process represents a significant change in how SLTT law enforcement organizations can manage airspace during large public events. By streamlining the request process, the FAA aims to enhance safety and security at these gatherings. As more information becomes available, stakeholders will be better equipped to navigate these new regulations effectively.