Does the NFL Charge the Military for Flyovers?

The National Football League has been accused of many things, but did you know that they once charged the military for flyovers during games?

Introduction

Few things are more exciting than a military flyover at a major sporting event. These flyovers are often used as a show of support for the troops and can be a very emotional moment for veterans and their families in the stands. But many people often wonder, does the NFL charge the military for these flyovers?

The short answer is no, the NFL does not charge the military for flyovers. In fact, the NFL actually covers the costs associated with flyovers as part of its support for the military. This includes the cost of fuel, pilot expenses, and other necessary costs.

So why do some people think that the NFL charges for flyovers? There are a few reasons. First, there is a common misconception that any time the military is involved in a public event, they must be compensated. This is not true. The military can participate in public events without being compensated as long as the event is not being used for commercial purposes.

Second, there have been cases where other organizations have charged the military for flyovers. This is usually because those organizations were using the flyover as a marketing tool or were trying to profit from it in some way. The NFL has never done this and has always been clear that its support for flyovers is part of its commitment to honoring our troops and their families.

If you see a flyover at an NFL game, know that it’s there because the NFL cares about our troops and wants to show its support in a very public way.

What is the cost of a flyover?

The cost of a flyover depends on the size of the aircraft and the distance it needs to travel. For example, a C-130 Hercules transport plane costs $3,500 per hour to operate, while a B-52 bomber costs $17,000 per hour. The military typically charges commercial organizations $5,000 to $10,000 for a flyover.

How often do flyovers occur?

While the cost for a military flyover can vary, they aren’t free. In fact, the NFL has been criticized in recent years for billing the military for flyovers during games.

According to a report from CBS News, the NFL charged the military $5.4 million for flyovers between 2011 and 2014. The Department of Defense paid for 66 flyovers during NFL games during that time period.

The cost of a flyover varies depending on the aircraft used and the length of the flight. For example, a C-130 Hercules transport plane costs $21,145 per hour to operate, while an F-16 fighter jet costs $42,530 per hour.

The NFL defended the charges, saying that the flyovers are part of game entertainment and fall under their “sponsored events” policy. However, after public outcry, the league stopped charging for flyovers in 2015.

What is the purpose of a flyover?

The purpose of a flyover is to show appreciation for the service of the men and women in the military. The NFL has a longstanding tradition of honoring the military with flyovers at their games.

However, some people have criticized the NFL for charging the military for flyovers, arguing that it is a waste of taxpayer money. The NFL has defended its practice, saying that the flyovers are a way to thank the military for their service and that they are not profit-driven.

How are flyovers funded?

The cost of military flyovers has been a controversial topic for many years. Recently, the National Football League (NFL) came under fire for allegedly charging the US Military for flyovers during football games.

So, does the NFL charge the military for flyovers? The short answer is no. The NFL does not charge the military for flyovers during football games.

However, the cost of a flyover is not negligible. A typical flyover can cost anywhere from $500 to $3,000 per hour, depending on the aircraft used and the distance flown. Given that most football games last around three hours, the cost of a flyover can range from $1,500 to $9,000.

To cover these costs, the US Military relies on taxpayer-funded appropriations from Congress. In other words, taxpayers ultimately foot the bill for military flyovers during football games.

While there is no evidence that the NFL has ever charged the military for flyovers, some have criticized the use of taxpayer dollars to fund these displays of patriotism. Critics argue that there are more important uses for taxpayer money than flying fighter jets over football stadiums.

What do you think? Are military flyovers during football games a worthwhile use of taxpayer money? Or are they a waste of resources?

Conclusion

No, the NFL does not charge the military for flyovers. Flyovers are considered a public relations effort and are not subject to negotiation or payment.