FAA Issues Temporary Flight Restriction Over Paycom Center During NBA Finals Game 5

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) around the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City for Game 5 of the NBA Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers on June 16. The restriction is in effect from 5 p.m. to midnight and applies to all aircraft, including drones, to address safety and special security concerns. This action follows reports of drones flying above the allowed height during previous games, which posed safety risks to pilots and helicopters operating in the area. The FAA has grounded all remote pilots in the restricted zone unless they have an FAA waiver and warns that violations of the TFR can result in sanctions. Officials urge drone operators to avoid the airspace and check active TFRs via FAA resources such as the Low Altitude Authorization And Notification Capability (LAANC) system. The FAA's measures aim to maintain a secure environment during this high-profile sporting event.