The Federal Aviation Administration has issued a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) over parts of the Texas Hill Country, where emergency crews are continuing search and recovery efforts after deadly floods swept through the region over the weekend.
The move follows a Monday incident in which a privately operated drone collided with a helicopter conducting emergency operations in Kerr County. According to the city of Kerrville, the helicopter was forced to make an emergency landing, rendering a “critical piece of response equipment” out of service indefinitely.
“This was entirely preventable,” city officials said in a statement on Facebook, urging residents to keep drones grounded until first responders complete their operations.
The TFR applies to both manned and unmanned aircraft, including drones, and prohibits flights within the designated area without clearance. The FAA said pilots must coordinate with the controlling agency listed in the notice.
Heavy rainfall over the weekend caused the Guadalupe River to overflow, flooding wide areas of central Texas. At least 104 people, including 28 children—some attending a summer camp—have died across six counties.
Officials say a high volume of emergency aircraft is operating in a tight corridor across Kerr County and surrounding areas. The TFR is intended to protect pilots, aircrews, and personnel on the ground.
Only those with authorization from the Air Operations Center (AOC) may fly in the restricted zone. The Joint Air Ground Coordination Team (JAGCT) is overseeing all flight activity and managing the airspace to avoid collisions and interference.
Drone users are advised to monitor FAA notices and use tools like the B4UFLY app and the Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) system. Unauthorized flights may be detected by UAS surveillance systems and reported to law enforcement. Violations will be referred to the FAA and FBI.
Individuals or agencies with a legitimate need to access the restricted airspace may contact the AOC – UAS Command at (936) 577-2370.
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