Pilots can safely view commercial fireworks from the air by planning ahead, checking FAA Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) in advance, and maintaining an altitude of at least 2,000 feet AGL to avoid display hazards.
Be aware of dangers posed by noncommercial fireworks at ground level, particularly near airparks, including rockets crossing runways and debris like paper lanterns that can cause Foreign Object Debris (FOD).
Ensure in-flight safety by staying vigilant for other aircraft (using ADS-B and constant visual scanning) and consider obtaining flight following due to likely increased air traffic.
The Fourth of July is around the corner, which means many pilots may have watching fireworks from the air on their bucket list.
It’s possible to safely and legally view the celebrations from the sky, as long as you take precautions and follow FAA guidelines, such as adherence to temporary flight restrictions (TFRs).
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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.
