Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Instrument
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 72; Flight Crew Total 2390; Flight Crew Type 91
Situational Awareness; Distraction; Confusion
Airspace Violation All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR
Air Traffic Control Issued Advisory / Alert; Flight Crew Exited Penetrated Airspace
Procedure; Chart Or Publication; Airspace Structure; Human Factors
I checked NOTAMs and TFRs prior to takeoff. Enroute I requested permission from Boeing Tower to conduct a pass through Elliot Bay near downtown Seattle going from West to East until half a mile off the waterfront then turn Northwest out to West-point at 500 FT. I was told approved as requested and conducted those maneuvers. Upon reporting clear to the Northwest Boeing Tower informed me that I was clear of the TFR and to switch VFR; frequency change approved.  None of my preflight efforts at due diligence resulted in me being aware of a TFR in the area; and frankly I'm not sure if there is anything I could do to make myself aware of every major sporting event aside from becoming a sports fanatic. I'm not sure if I'm in trouble or if these TFRs are just a means to prosecute obnoxious pilots who are trying to interfere with the event. I've read the FAA circular on Sporting TFRs and am aware of the concept; but if it is important enough to make a TFR it should be important enough to post on NOTAMs and TFR websites. Only after the fact on my Northbound departure tuning up PAE's ATIS that mention was made of the TFR.
Small aircraft pilot inadvertently entered a sporting event TFR; near BFI;  even though he was working with ATC and had previously checked the NOTAMs.