This message is meant as a friendly reminder from your Seattle FSDO FAASTeam.
Each year, the Seattle FSDO has seen an annual increase in Pilot Deviations around the Puget Sound area in respect to Temporary Flight Restrictions during the summer airshow season.
Protect yourself and others operating in the NAS by remembering to do a pre-flight briefing. Check your NOTAMs and TFRs for any restrictions or other important information in the area before you fly. A simple check before you fly can keep you and others safe, and avoid the dreaded “…I have a number for you to call when you land!”
Some dates to be aware of are below. Note that TFRs sometimes start days before the event due to practice sessions, so remember to check for any changes before the event.
- June 13-15 Olympic Airshow (Olympia Airport)
- June 27-28 Skagit Skies Airshow (Skagit Regional)
- July 11-13 Bremerton Airshow (Bremerton Airport)
- July 31-Aug 3 Seafair/Blue Angels (Lake Washington)
- August 15-17 Arlington SkyFest (Arlington Airport)
This preliminary list is subject to change. Remember that TFRs include more than just airshows, and could be due to other events, such as sporting events, UAS activity, fires or VIP movement.
More information about TFRs and NOTAMS can be found here: https://www.faa.gov/pilots/safety/notams_tfr. You can also earn WINGS credits by taking one of the free online courses about TFRs on faasafety.gov.
Thank you for doing your part to keep our airspace safe!
For additional information, reach out to Kris Slater, FAASTeam Program Manager at the Seattle FSDO, at 206-231-3803 or kris.slater@faa.gov.