FAA issues flight restriction over Texas Hill Country as recovery efforts continue

AUSTIN, Texas — The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) over counties within the Texas Hill Country on Thursday as recovery efforts continue. 

The FAA said the restriction bars aircraft and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), or drones, from operating without permission. These measures are to keep everyone safe as first responders deploy land and aerial units to search for those missing. 

FAA requires UAS pilots to coordinate with the Air Operations Center (AOC) to operate drones in the area. Once approved, the Joint Air Ground Coordination Team (JAGCT) will track pilot activity. JAGCT oversees all aircraft and aircrews for safety and airspace coordination, according to the FAA.

First responders will continue to search across Hill Country. The FAA said the area and time frame are subject to change, and encourage those interested to check the FAA website regularly for updates. Active TFRs can be found on the FAA’s online TFR list.

The FAA stated TFRs are also displayed in the following FAA resources for drone pilots:

“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,” the FAA said on its website. 

FAA also said, “those with a legitimate need to operate within the TFR can contact the Air Operations Center – UAS Command at (936) 577-2370.”

The latest figures indicate more than 120 people died during the catastrophic flooding that swept through the area over Fourth of July weekend. Of those 120 people, there were at least 36 children in Kerr County. As of Saturday, July 12, more than 160 people remain missing.