Subscriber question:
"How close is too close flying next to a TFR? A friend was flying near an irregular shape TFR in Northern California and approached it closely. The controller said he crossed it but on his EFB he says he was far away from it. Could it be the EFB or the controllers view of the area not accurate?" —Rick N.
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Jeff:
“The controller’s view is what matters here. Furthermore, the EFB position is only as good as its GPS fix. The controller has radar and (probably) an ADS-B out, which must have a WAAS GPS source.
One way to think about this is instead of showing a specific position for the airplane on the EFB, think about it as a circle that the airplane is somewhere within. Some EFBs can show the estimated accuracy of that circle (Foreflght has a field for this you can put on the map), but even then, it’s estimated accuracy. I’d give it some extra room.
And if ATC says you’re getting too close, request a heading to fly to stay clear. That way they are actively involved as a partner in ensuring no one ends up in hot water.”