DHS "Moving Asset" NOTAM: A Pilot’s Field Protocol for 2026

The Era of the "Moving TFR" is Here

For years, Part 107 pilots have operated under a relatively static understanding of the National Airspace System (NAS). We check our maps, we look for red circles—Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) around stadiums, VIP movements, or wildfires—and we plan our flights accordingly. If the app said "Clear for Takeoff," we generally felt safe from federal intervention.

That paradigm shifted dramatically in 2026. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Justice (DOJ), has activated a specific NOTAM (Notice to Air Missions) regarding "moving federal assets." This regulatory update fundamentally changes Part 107 flight planning by introducing dynamic, unmapped restricted zones that travel with federal agents.

As a drone journalist and commercial pilot, I have analyzed the text of these restrictions and the resulting FAA enforcement actions. This is no longer just about avoiding airports; it is about situational awareness regarding what is happening on the ground beneath your aircraft. This guide outlines the field protocol every pilot needs to adopt to ensure DHS NOTAM compliance and avoid becoming a test case for federal prosecution.

Decoding the "Moving Asset" Restriction

The core of this regulatory shift is the transition from coordinate-based restrictions to asset-based restrictions. Historically, a TFR was defined by a center point, a radius, and an altitude. The new security measures protect "sensitive federal operations," which often involve mobile convoys, maritime interdiction vessels, or law enforcement aircraft.

According to recent industry reports, the FAA’s issuance of these security-sensitive NOTAMs prohibits UAS operations within close proximity to these assets. The challenge for pilots is that these assets are often unmarked or look like standard civilian vehicles until it is too late.

The restriction typically creates a "bubble" of airspace that pilots cannot enter. If that bubble moves toward you, you are legally required to exit the airspace. This has sparked significant debate regarding federal drone laws 2026, specifically concerning how a pilot is supposed to know a black SUV is a federal asset.

Industry watchdogs have raised valid concerns. Dronelife reports that these bans have prompted significant pushback regarding civil liberties and the practical feasibility for operators who may not be able to visually distinguish federal vehicles from a distance. However, until the courts or the FAA revise the language, the burden of compliance rests 100% on the Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC).

The 2026 Field Protocol: How to Comply

Compliance with a moving TFR requires a shift in mindset. You cannot rely solely on LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) providers because they cannot track every DHS vehicle in real-time. Here is the three-step protocol I use for every mission in 2026.

1. The Pre-Flight "Security Scan"

Before you even power on the drone, your site survey must include a risk assessment for federal activity. This is particularly vital if you are flying near borders, government buildings, or coastlines.

When conducting your autonomous inspection workflows or real estate shoots, look for the following indicators:

• Temporary Command Posts: Large SUVs with excessive antennas or satellite domes.
• Maritime Assets: fast boats with blue lights or gray hulls (Coast Guard/CBP).
• Loitering Aircraft: Helicopters or fixed-wing aircraft circling the area at low altitudes.

If you see these assets, the airspace above them is likely restricted, regardless of what your app says. The FAA Safety guidelines continue to emphasize that ignorance of a security operation is not a valid defense against violation.

2. In-Flight Situational Awareness

Once airborne, your Visual Observer (VO) becomes your most critical asset. In 2026, the VO's job isn't just to watch the drone; it is to watch the ground environment. This is drone situational awareness at its peak.

If a convoy of vehicles enters your operating area (AO), you must assume a defensive posture. Do not fly over them. Do not track them. The DHS NOTAM compliance strategy dictates that you yield right of way. This is similar to the "See and Avoid" rule for manned aircraft, but applied to ground assets.

Pro Tip: If you are flying for real estate drone photography and a law enforcement operation begins nearby, land immediately. The footage isn't worth the federal inquiry.

3. The "Land and Log" Procedure

If you suspect you have inadvertently entered a restricted "moving bubble," execute the following immediately:

1. Descend and Land: Do not Return to Home (RTH) if RTH takes you closer to the asset. Land at the nearest safe location.
2. Secure the Data: Do not delete your footage. If approached by law enforcement, flight logs proving you were attempting to de-conflict and land can be your saving grace.
3. File a NASA ASRS Report: The Aviation Safety Reporting System is your "get out of jail free" card (in some cases) for unintentional violations. Filing a report shows a proactive safety mindset.

Technology’s Role in TFR Avoidance Strategy

While the regulation is burdensome, technology in 2026 offers some mitigation. Modern drones equipped with Remote ID are broadcasting your position to these federal assets. They know who you are and where your pilot station is. This makes transparency your best defense.

Furthermore, utilizing drones with high-quality telephoto lenses allows you to get the shots you need without physically encroaching on sensitive areas. We have seen a shift in the market toward optical zoom capabilities. For a look at the hardware that helps maintain these standoff distances, check out the latest reviews on PCMag regarding the best drones tested for 2026.

However, technology creates new risks. As airspace becomes more crowded with initiatives like Wing's Houston expansion, the likelihood of overlapping operational volumes increases. A delivery drone might have authorization to fly near a federal asset, but you, as a Part 107 operator, might not. Never assume that because another drone is flying, the airspace is clear for you.

The Legal Stakes: Why Compliance Matters

The FAA has signaled a zero-tolerance approach to UAS interfering with security operations. Commercial UAV News has highlighted that alongside the DHS NOTAM, the Part 108 NPRM (Notice of Proposed Rulemaking) is reopening comments on how high-risk BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) operations are managed.

Violating a security NOTAM can lead to:

• Civil Penalties: Fines exceeding $30,000 per violation.
• Certificate Action: Suspension or revocation of your Part 107 certificate.
• Criminal Charges: Under 49 U.S.C., interfering with federal law enforcement can carry prison time.

To protect yourself, you must be able to prove your flight path. I strongly recommend learning how to analyze your own data. Review my guide on flight log forensics to understand exactly what your drone records. If you are accused of flying too close to a DHS asset, your telemetry—showing altitude, GPS coordinates, and stick inputs—will be the only evidence that matters.

Summary: The Pilot's Responsibility

The "Moving Asset" NOTAM represents a maturation of the drone industry. We are no longer flying toys in a vacuum; we are operating aircraft in a shared, security-conscious national airspace. The days of launching without looking are over.

To survive as a professional pilot in 2026, you must adopt a "defensive flying" strategy. Assume every black SUV is a federal asset. Assume every TFR is larger than it appears on the map. And most importantly, prioritize the safety of the national airspace over getting the shot.