Pilot Proficiency

Flying on the Fourth of July: 3 Things to Know

Watching fireworks shows from the air can be done safely and legally, provided you take some precautions.

Monday, July 03, 2023 at 11:19 AM ET

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[FLYING file photo]

Key Takeaways:

Pilots must check for Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) around commercial fireworks displays, noting any altitude and duration restrictions.
Maintain an altitude of at least 2,000 feet AGL to safely clear fireworks, which typically reach up to 1,200 feet AGL.
Exercise caution during takeoff and landing, especially at nontowered airports, due to potential personal fireworks activity on airport property.
Consider obtaining flight following and using ADS-B to enhance situational awareness, as other aircraft will likely be in the area.

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There comes a time in every pilot’s life when they want to view Fourth of July fireworks from the air.

It can be done safely and legally, provided you take some precautions.

Meg Godlewski has been an aviation journalist for more than 24 years and a CFI for more than 20 years. If she is not flying or teaching aviation, she is writing about it. Meg is a founding member of the Pilot Proficiency Center at EAA AirVenture and excels at the application of simulation technology to flatten the learning curve. Follow Meg on Twitter @2Lewski.