A few things to ponder. A NOTAM is an advisory to and for Airmen, providing notification of a condition that could impact safety of flight they need to be aware of. A temporary flight restriction (TFR) is a mandatory restriction prohibiting everyone, except those specified to the contrary, to operate within a defined area. In the case of the referenced NOTAM the FAA is making Airmen (note I didn't say pilots of manned or unmanned aircraft) aware on unmanned activity in that area to alert them to their presence. Flight of other sUAS in that area is not restricted because of sUAS being operated by the entity that requested the NOTAM. If the airspace you want to operate in is normally legal to fly in you still can, but you have been advised that another system might be flying in the area so keep your eyes open.
Commercial or recreational really doesn't matter in some ways anymore. As the FAA has classified all RC helicopters, airplanes, multirotors, jets, etc. as "aircraft" everyone that operates them became an Airman. We are now called "pilots" regardless of whether or not we agree with that classification. Part 336 makes it pretty clear that all who fly are individually responsible for understanding when and where you can safely and legally operate. 336 included a very broad FAA punitive "catch all" that's referenced as being applicable to recreational flyers; careless and reckless operation of an aircraft. Because someone is new to the hobby or has ignored the many things that can affect them is not an excuse. The guy that put his Phantom in the path of a Blackhawk tried that one through his attorney and it's not working. They (FAA) also mention that recreational flyers need to operate within the safety guidelines of a national community based organization. The most widely recognized organization that developed safety guidelines is the AMA, and they most certainly do recommend modelers check available publications relative to flight safety and flight restrictions. In fact, they send advisory e-mails out to members in areas where TFR's would be applicable to their area and activities.
Now for the 107 operator; they have no excuses
whatsoever for pretty much anything that wasn't directly related to an unexpected catastrophic failure of a flight control system. New or old 107 operator doesn't matter. They took the test and in so doing they made a blanket statement they are fully cognizant of the rules, regulations, processes, FAA publication system, whatever, and they agree to comply with the letter of the law. All of the laws, not just the ones they happen to be aware of. It's their individual responsibility to continue with their study of the rules governing our National Airspace System. It's a whole lot of reading and comprehension doesn't come overnight. Those $200.00 cram courses leave everyone that takes them woefully under educated. They only things they learned is the correct answer format for a particular test question, which is quickly forgotten. When they submitted their test results for a 107 certificate they swore they knew what they are required to know and agree to comply. They've nowhere to run.
So NOTAM's and TFR's are applicable to anyone that flies, without exception. You can ignore a NOTAM and as long as nothing happens all is good, however, you could become a flight risk to others through your ignorance. We can never ignore a TFR.
For those so interested, you can obtain a free copy of the Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, a book that provides a vast amount of aviation training reference material and airspace system info. You may have to create a user account but that costs nothing. Just go to the link and download it.
Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge
Other free reference materials can be found here:
Aviation Handbooks & Manuals
Most don't.
