FAA Offers Heads-Up for GA Pilots Flying Near Super Bowl LVIII

The event will come with a TFR, drone restrictions, special air traffic procedures, and extra operational requirements.

Super Bowl LVIII will take place on February 11 beginning at 3:30 p.m. PST. [Shutterstock]

The FAA has asked that general aviation pilots be aware of temporary flight restrictions, special air traffic procedures, and additional operational requirements associated with Super Bowl LVIII.

The Super Bowl procedures and restrictions will affect pilots flying near Las Vegas on February 7-12, with the game itself set for February 11 beginning at 3:30 p.m. PST. The FAA says it will be releasing a notice to air missions (NOTAM) for the event later this month covering “procedures for the game and specific arrival and departure route requirements.” In addition, the agency has set up a webpage dedicated to providing GA pilots with relevant information on Las Vegas-area airports and airspace leading up to the NFL championship game at Allegiant Stadium.

During the February 7-12 time frame, special air traffic procedures are expected to be in effect for Las Vegas’ Harry Reid International Airport (KLAS), North Las Vegas Airport (KVGT), Henderson Executive Airport (KHND), and Boulder City Municipal Airport (KBVU). Parking reservation programs will also be in effect for those airports from February 7-13. The FAA recommended that pilots flying in for the game familiarize themselves with the Vegas-area airports via the agency’s From the Flight Deck video series.

A temporary flight restriction (TFR) for the Super Bowl itself is expected to be active on February 11 from approximately 2:30-8:30 p.m. PST, though that is subject to change. The FAA says the TFR will be centered on Allegiant Stadium with a 10 nm inner core and 30 nm outer ring. The agency noted that it will not affect regularly scheduled commercial flights out of KLAS.

The FAA emphasized that Super Bowl LVIII, a designated National Security Special Event, is a “No Drone Zone,” with restrictions in place for uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS/drones). 

Kate O’Connor is a private pilot, certificated aircraft dispatcher, and graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

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