Regulation Text
No person may operate an aircraft over or in the vicinity of any area to be visited or traveled by the President, the Vice President, or other public figures contrary to the restrictions established by the Administrator and published in a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM).
Research Notes
Section 91.141 prohibits operations in the proximity of the President of the United States, Vice President, and certain other high-ranking officials. This is the regulatory hook for VIP TFRs — the most heavily-enforced airspace category in the FAR system.
The TFR structure for Presidential movements: When the President travels, the FAA establishes a VIP TFR — typically a 30 NM radius inner zone with full prohibition on operations, and a 10 NM radius outermost zone with restrictions on certain operations. The exact dimensions vary by the threat assessment for the specific movement.
Inner zone (Inner Core): Generally a 10 NM radius around the protected location at the surface up to 17,999 MSL. NO operations may enter except aircraft on an active IFR clearance, with continuous two-way comms with ATC, and operating in accordance with FBI-mandated screening procedures.
Outer zone (Outer Ring): Generally extends to 30 NM radius. Some operations are permitted including IFR flights with ATC clearance, regularly-scheduled commercial passenger service to/from airports inside the ring, and certain other categories. VFR flights into the outer zone are typically prohibited.
Enforcement reality: Penetrating a VIP TFR generates immediate Secret Service and military interception — the F-16/F-15 escort fighter response is real and is documented in numerous public incident reports. Pilots have been forced to land, interviewed at the destination, and faced certificate emergency revocation in addition to civil penalty.
How to check: EVERY flight in the U.S. should include a TFR check via the FAA TFR portal or an EFB. Many GA pilots have busted VIP TFRs by failing to check during preflight when the President was visiting a city the pilot didn't realize.
Reference: FAA TFR portal; AIM 3-5 on TFRs and 3-5-4 specifically on Presidential TFRs.
Amendment History
Amendment History Coming Soon
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