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We will keep you up to date with the latest news for pilots (NfL), safety tips and general news

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We are constantly working to make the Pilot Hub even better!

Since our launch at the beginning of 2024, we have already revised the structure of our website several times. We are always trying to put together new features and information to keep you up to date and support you!

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Latest news at Pilot-Hub

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Night flying in general aviation - fascination, responsibility and modern challenges

Night VFR is one of the most impressive, but at the same time most demanding disciplines in private aviation. Flying in the dark combines special atmospheric impressions with increased demands on perception, preparation and technology. While night VFR was previously only permitted in a few European countries, the authorisation is now becoming increasingly popular again - not least because modern cockpits, improved lighting systems and reliable navigation aids are making night flying more accessible. Nevertheless, flying in the dark remains an area in which
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16 November 2025

Visual and instrument flights in the TMZ Nordostschweiz - A comprehensive refresher for pilots

Since 2022, the Transponder Mandatory Zone North-East (TMZ NE) in eastern Switzerland has been a central component for the safe coordination of visual and instrument flight traffic in the vicinity of St. Gallen-Altenrhein and Friedrichshafen airports. Despite modern technology, the interaction between VFR and IFR traffic in Echo airspace remains challenging. In particular, the proximity of IFR approach routes to frequently flown VFR areas increases the importance of strong situational awareness on both sides of the cockpit. This article highlights the
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16 November 2025

The fog season starts again with autumn

When the days get shorter and moist air collects over the cooler ground, the most challenging time of year for pilots begins: the fog season. In autumn in particular, visibility is regularly impaired, which has a significant impact on air traffic. But not all fog is the same. Whether light meadow fog, high fog or dense radiation fog - the distinction is crucial for flight preparation, visual flight conditions and the interpretation of METAR and TAF reports. The following article explains the most important
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26 October 2025

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Everything you need to know about aircraft transponders

Today, transponders are part of the basic equipment of almost every motorised aircraft and make a decisive contribution to flight safety. They make aircraft visible to air traffic control, enable precise separation in airspace and form the basis of modern collision warning systems such as ADS-B. The following article explains in detail how they work, the legal regulations in Europe, the various transponder modes, typical squawk codes as well as current developments and purchase recommendations for general aviation pilots.
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26 October 2025

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High-altitude oxygen in general aviation - when it becomes mandatory and how to use it correctly

Flights at higher altitudes bring benefits in terms of range and performance, but expose pilots and passengers to decreasing oxygen availability. At certain altitudes, additional oxygen is not only useful, but mandatory. The article explains the physiological background, precisely summarises the European operating limits, describes typical hypoxia symptoms and the available equipment - from cannulas and on-demand systems to oxygen concentrators. It also contains practical checklists for pre-flight, operation, monitoring and refuelling.
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26 October 2025

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Support for Classic FLARM is coming to an end - what pilots need to know now

The Swiss company FLARM has announced that it will discontinue technical support for its „Classic“ series of collision warning devices at the end of September 2026. This marks the end of an era in general aviation that has made a significant contribution to increasing flight safety over two decades. The following article sheds light on the background to this decision, explains the technical and economic reasons and shows what pilots and clubs should now bear in mind.
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26 October 2025

NFL Ticker

NFL 2025-1-3686 - New regulations for low-level military flights - impact on general aviation from 2025

With a comprehensive new announcement, the Federal Ministry of Transport is adapting the requirements and procedures for low-level military flights over Germany. The regulations not only affect military flight operations themselves, but also have considerable significance for civil aviation, especially for VFR pilots, glider pilots, motorised pilots and operators of small airfields without a control zone. The following article explains the new regulations on low-flying areas, minimum altitudes, operating times and protective measures for aerodromes. It also shows what precautions civilian pilots will have to take in future to avoid conflicts with low-flying military aircraft.

NFL 2025-1-3672 - New gliding sectors in upper airspace classes - Germany expands open spaces for air sports

With a new announcement, the Federal Ministry of Transport is creating a clear legal framework for gliding sectors within airspaces C and D outside the control zones for the first time. These areas can be activated temporarily and enable gliding and other VFR operations under simplified conditions - in airspaces that are normally reserved for IFR traffic. The regulation facilitates air sports, improves the interaction between controlled and uncontrolled traffic and is an important component of the ongoing modernisation of German airspace management. The following article categorises the changes, explains their significance and shows how they will change the everyday lives of glider pilots and other VFR pilots.

NFL 2025-1-3671 - New VFR sectors in controlled airspace - Germany modernises its airspace structure

With a new announcement, the Federal Ministry of Transport is creating the basis for special VFR sectors within the controlled airspaces of classes C and D. These areas, which can be activated temporarily, allow flights under visual flight rules under special conditions and are intended to meet the increasingly diverse requirements of general aviation. The measure supports gliding, parachuting, air sports events and special localised forms of operation, while at the same time relieving the burden on air traffic control. The following article explains the background, functionality and effects of these new sectors and places them in the wider development of German airspace.

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Why the Pilot-Hub?

As part of our own pilot training, we have realised that it is often far too difficult to receive up-to-date, detailed and complete information. There are some really good websites, but even these often only contain partial information. Over time, we found ourselves with an ever-growing list of links and different information snippets. This idea evolved and the result is what you see now.

We are aware that we cannot guarantee absolute correctness and completeness everywhere. Likewise, not all content has been finalised, as we are devoting ourselves to this project in our spare time. We hope for your understanding and ask for your support!

We are constantly working to further improve our pilot hub and are therefore grateful for any feedback, suggestions or criticism. Feel free to use the contact options at the bottom of the page and we will get back to you as soon as possible 🙂

We hope to help you on your way to become a pilot or someone deeply interested in aviation and to accompany you throughout your aviation pathway at all times!

Who is behind it?

Jochen

I only started flying at the age of 40 - which was actually far too late!
After my LAPL training on the trusty Cessna 172, I completed my PPL, my instrument rating and finally my CPL almost seamlessly. Whether Mooney, Cessna or a TB20, flying has cast a spell over me! So much so that I recently became the proud co-owner of a Cessna P210, which also has room for my entire family, including my three children. Who knows, maybe my enthusiasm will rub off on them!

Tim

Originally dreaming of becoming a pilot, I ended up becoming an engineer.
Fortunately, I started my LAPL training at the end of my studies, which was immediately followed by my PPL including night flying.
Naturally, I am also interested in all aircraft technology and avionics and am delighted to be a member of Germany's oldest flying club - the Luftfahrtverein Essen e.V.!

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