Mike den Hartog

Airspace, Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) and How to Get Approvals

Mike den Hartog, Air Boss, Air Operations, Inc.

Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) play a critical role in managing airspace safety during special events, emergency operations, and other activities requiring controlled flight environments. For commercial drone operators, understanding how TFRs work and navigating the approval process can be essential to conducting safe, legal, and successful operations.

This presentation will provide a practical overview of TFRs, including when and why they are established, how they impact unmanned aircraft operations, and the procedures involved in requesting authorization to operate within restricted airspace. Drawing on real-world aviation experience, Mike den Hartog will discuss coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), airspace management considerations, and common challenges operators encounter when seeking approvals. Attendees will gain valuable insights into navigating airspace restrictions, improving operational planning, and identifying opportunities to expand their commercial drone services while maintaining regulatory compliance.

Mike den Hartog is a veteran aviation manager, FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam) Lead DronePro, and the Air Boss for Air Operations Inc. With decades of foundational expertise spanning air traffic control, emergency response, and public safety integration, Mr. den Hartog is a highly sought-after professional specialized in complex airspace management, aerial event management, and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) safety.

Mr. den Hartog's extensive background includes rigorous technical training at Miami Dade College, Central Missouri State University, and the FAA Academy. Following the historic aviation and national security shifts of September 11, 2001, he joined the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Air Traffic Organization. Over his career, he bridged the gap between conventional air traffic control and emergency incident command structures, establishing a reputation for flawless execution under pressure.

As the operational leader of Air Operations Inc. based out of Fort Myers, Florida, Mr. den Hartog regularly commands the airspace for major public events, demonstrating his drone industry leadership through industrial drone deployments and emergency response operations. In his parallel role as an FAASTeam Lead DronePro for the Tampa area, he acts as a vital liaison between the federal government and commercial operators, training municipal and public safety agencies on how to responsibly deploy drone operations within tightly controlled, high-risk airspaces.