A remote pilot plans to fly at 200 feet AGL for a real estate shoot. A TFR is active in the area with a published floor of 1,000 feet AGL. Can the pilot proceed without additional authorization?
AYes, if the TFR begins at 1,000 feet AGL and the flight stays below that floor; the pilot must read the NOTAM text carefully to confirm the floor✓
BNo; TFRs cover all altitudes regardless of the published floor
CYes, without any further verification; the 1,000-foot floor is always above drone operating altitudes
Why →TFR floors vary. Some TFRs extend from the surface (emergency response, presidential movement) and others have stated floors. A 1,000-foot floor would allow Part 107 operations below it, but the pilot must read the actual NOTAM text to confirm the floor and any exceptions. Never assume a floor without reading the text.
The trap →Assuming the 1,000-foot floor is always above drone altitudes reasons that drone altitudes are low enough to ignore TFRs. Many TFRs (sporting events under § 91.145, for example) extend to the surface and prohibit drone operations entirely.
Field note →Pull the full NOTAM from 1800wxbrief.com or FAA DroneZone before relying on a floor value shown in a drone app. Apps summarize; NOTAMs are authoritative.
SOURCE → 14 CFR § 91.137 through § 91.145; FAA NOTAM systemCHECKED JUL 16ACS II.B.K3MED