Notice  Pilot Briefing · 3 min read · Updated October 2026

Southern Border Drone Restrictions: What Pilots Need to Know for 2026–2027

What changed

The FAA identifies three principal NOTAMs for the coordinated restriction: ZLA 6/9954, ZAB 6/9978 and ZHU 6/9956. Together they cover portions of the southern border under different air traffic control centers. The FAA's consolidated graphic is useful for situational awareness, but the agency expressly directs operators to the published NOTAMs for the legal details.

Key point: A Remote Pilot Certificate, LAANC approval or ordinary controlled-airspace authorization does not by itself authorize a flight inside a security TFR.

How to determine whether your flight is affected

Check FAA Temporary Flight Restrictions shortly before every planned operation near the border. Match the proposed coordinates, altitude and time against the current NOTAM text. Do not rely only on an app's shaded map, a saved screenshot or the FAA's consolidated illustration; restrictions and NOTAM details can change.

Also check the other rules that apply to the operation. Permission under a TFR does not replace Part 107 requirements, controlled-airspace authorization, landowner permission or any other applicable restriction.

Requesting access

The FAA: Southern Border UAS Temporary Flight Restrictions notice says operators seeking access must contact U.S. Customs and Border Protection at least 48 hours before the proposed operation. The request must include the operator's name, FAA certifications, telephone number, proposed flight date, time and location, and the aircraft's Remote ID information, make, model and serial number.

Submitting a request is not approval. Do not operate in the restricted airspace unless the required authorization has actually been issued and you can comply with every condition attached to it.

Emergency and public-safety operations

The notice provides a separate expedited-coordination contact for first responders and organizations dealing with natural disasters or other time-sensitive emergencies. That pathway is for coordination; it is not an automatic exemption. Emergency operators should use the contact information in the current official notice and follow the instructions they receive.

What Part 107 pilots should remember

A Part 107 certificate establishes that a pilot is qualified to conduct eligible civil small-drone operations. It does not override a security TFR. Before a flight near the border, review the current NOTAMs, verify the exact location and altitude, obtain every required authorization and keep the approval available during the operation. If the location or timing changes, check again.

Common questions

Does the restriction cover the entire United States–Mexico border?

The FAA describes a coordinated restriction generally extending one nautical mile north of the border and from the surface to 400 feet above ground level. Use the controlling NOTAMs for the exact segments, coordinates, effective times, exceptions and conditions.

Is a Part 107 certificate enough to fly there?

No. Part 107 certification does not replace the authorization required by a security TFR.

How far ahead should I request access?

The FAA notice says to submit an access request to CBP at least 48 hours before the proposed operation. Approval is not guaranteed, so do not fly unless authorization is issued.

Can first responders receive faster coordination?

The official notice provides expedited coordination for eligible emergency and time-sensitive operations. Use the current contact information in the FAA notice.

Reviewed and updated October 2026.

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