A remote pilot is conducting a lawfully authorized real estate shoot when an in-app notification shows an emergency TFR has just been activated covering the flight area. The drone is airborne at 200 feet AGL, 0.3 miles from the property. What is the correct response?
AContinue the current flight: an authorization already obtained covers any TFR activated after it was issued.
BLand the aircraft as safely and quickly as possible: the TFR is effective immediately and supersedes existing authorizations.✓
CClimb above the TFR altitude ceiling to exit the restricted area.
Why →A TFR is effective upon issuance, regardless of previously obtained authorizations. Emergency TFRs take immediate effect and supersede existing LAANC or DroneZone authorizations. The remote PIC must land as safely and quickly as possible.
The trap →Existing authorizations do not grandfather operations against subsequently issued TFRs. Climbing above the TFR ceiling is not a solution. TFRs extend from the surface to a defined ceiling, and going above may enter other controlled airspace without authorization.
Field note →Enable TFR push notifications in your flight planning app and check tfr.faa.gov within 30 minutes of launch. Presidential movement TFRs can activate with as little as 15 minutes of advance notice.
SOURCE → 14 CFR § 91.137–91.145, Temporary Flight RestrictionsCHECKED JUL 16ACS II.B.K3HARD