Helicopter
Flight Crew Rotorcraft; Flight Crew Instrument
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 60; Flight Crew Total 5000; Flight Crew Type 2500
Situational Awareness; Communication Breakdown; Confusion
ATC Issue All Types; Airspace Violation All Types
General Police / Security Involved
Airspace Structure; Chart Or Publication; Procedure
In early January; I was planning a sightseeing flight in my helicopter to the East Basin area. Before takeoff I checked with FSS for any NOTAMS or TFR's in the area; to find out there were none. I took off mid afternoon and departed to the east. After approximately 45 minutes of flying the area I returned for landing at my departure airport. At this point a Homeland Security helicopter landed behind me and the Officers reported to me that they observed me penetrating the 3-mile TFR over a football game. When I told them that FSS did not mention any TFR's in the area and they refused to believe it. We called FSS via my cell phone in their presence and the Briefer again confirmed that there were no TFR's in the system for this area. The HSS Officer was surprised and asked the FSS Briefer for his ID Number. As a veteran helicopter pilot flying the area for many years; I am aware of the fact that sport event TFR's are not published by FSS. If the FAA cannot inform pilots of an existing TFR how does the FAA expect us to avoid one?
A helicopter pilot was notified by a Homeland Security Officer after landing that he had violated a ZLA TFR but after discussing the issue with FSS it was confirmed that the TFR was not broadcast to pilots via preflight briefings or NOTAMS.