FAA issues temporary flight restriction over Hill Country search area

AUSTIN, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — The Federal Aviation Administration has issued a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) for Hill Country, where search efforts are ongoing following recent flooding.

The restriction limits the operation of aircraft and unmanned aircraft systems, including drones, in the designated area. Drone operators must obtain authorization from the controlling agency before flying.

Officials provided the following FAA resources for drone pilots:

• Low Altitude Authorization And Notification Capability (LAANC) – applications provided by FAA-approved companies to deliver airspace authorizations on behalf of the FAA
• B4UFLY App – an app designed for recreational drone flyers

The release explained that restrictions stem from search efforts in Kerr County, featuring an ongoing operation with a high volume of aircraft operating in a small area. Officials asks the public to follow the temporary flight restrictions rules for the safety of all aircraft and ground personnel within the area.

Only pilots cleared through the Air Operations Center (AOC) may operate within the TFR. After pilots receive clearance, the Joint Air Ground Coordination Team (JAGCT) will track their activity. JAGCT will manage all aircraft and aircrews for safety and airspace deconfliction.

Active UAS detection equipment in the TFR allows JAGCT to report suspicious and non-approved UAS flight detections to law enforcement for contact and grounding. Documented violations of the TFR will be forwarded to the AOC for coordination with the FAA and FBI.

Officials added that the area and time frame are subject to change, and can be monitored on the FAA’s TFR list, which is updated in real-time.