A remote pilot is hired to photograph tailgate activities on public land 500 feet from the perimeter of an NFL stadium on game day. The stadium seats 68,000 fans. What must the pilot know before launching?
Why →
Under 14 CFR § 91.145 and standing policy, a TFR automatically activates within 3 nautical miles of any major league sporting event drawing more than 30,000 fans. The restriction covers surface to 3,000 feet AGL, active from 1 hour before the scheduled start until 1 hour after the event ends. At 500 feet from the stadium perimeter, the pilot is almost certainly within 3 NM.The trap →
Being on public land outside stadium property does not exempt a drone pilot from the TFR. The restriction is a radius from the stadium structure, not property lines. Team management permission does not constitute FAA authorization. This applies equally to large college football games, NASCAR events, and major concerts.SOURCE → 14 CFR § 91.145, Management of Aircraft Operations Near Major Sporting EventsCHECKED APR 21ACS II.B.K3MED