FAA preparing flight procedures for Super Bowl 53

A notice to airmen detailing the special air traffic procedures will be posted on the FAA's website.

The FAA will publish a temporary flight restriction (TFR) centered on Mercedes-Benz Stadium, currently expected to be active Feb. 3 from 4 p.m. Eastern (2100Z) to 11:59 p.m. (0459Z). The TFR will include a 10-nautical-mile inner core and a 30-nm outer ring. The TFR will not affect regularly scheduled commercial flights flying in and out of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the FAA said. The TFR’s full text and graphic depiction will be published in January.

The agency has posted to its website a page containing information for GA pilots who plan to fly in the area between Jan. 29 and Feb. 5, which will be updated as new information becomes available. Pilots should refer to the page for information on a reservation program to facilitate ground services at numerous Atlanta-area airports. Pilots are urged to contact the fixed-base operator at their destination for reservations and additional information.

Special air traffic procedures will be in effect at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and about 10 other airports.

There will be arrival and departure route requirements from Jan. 29 at 12 p.m. (1700Z) through Feb. 5 at 12 p.m. (1700Z) for jet and turboprop aircraft as explained by notice to airmen.

Air traffic management initiatives may be implemented, including ground delay programs, airspace flow programs, time-based metering, miles in trail, airborne holding, and ground stops, the FAA said.

The Super Bowl is designated as a National Security Special Event, with additional unmanned aircraft restrictions in place before, during, and after the game, the FAA said, emphasizing via a YouTube video that “the big game is a no-drone zone.”