Summer has arrived in the Puget Sound area of Washington state, and with that comes the potential for an increase in pilot deviations due to the number of temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) in place.
According to the Seattle Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), pilots need to take extra care to check NOTAMs when they fly, as TFRs increase this time of year in response to airshows, sporting events, and wildfires.
“A simple check before you fly can keep you and others safe and avoid the dreaded ‘I have a number for you to call when you land,’” the Seattle FSDO noted in a release to the flying public.
Pilots are reminded that TFRs are often placed and activated days before an airshow begins to allow for practice sessions.
Some summer dates to note:
- June 13-15: Olympic Airshow (Olympia Regional Airport, KOLM)
- June 27-28: Skagit Skies Airshow (Skagit Regional Airport, KBVS)
- July 11-13: Bremerton Air Show (Bremerton National Airport, KPWT)
- July 31-Aug 3: Boeing Seafair Air Show/Blue Angels (Lake Washington)
- August 15-17: Arlington SkyFest (Arlington Municipal Airport, KAWO)
Pilots are reminded that the date, time, and scope of the TFRs can change, so make sure you have the most up-to-date information during flight.
More information about TFRs and NOTAMs can be found here. Pilots can also earn WINGS credits by taking one of the FAA’s free online courses about TFRs on faasafety.gov.
