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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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Four radio drills between the questionnaire and the first controlled area

Christian Kirsch, private pilot and founder of FlyTalk.ai, provides a brief insight in his guest post on how the transfer from theory to practice can take place in air traffic control.
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October 19, 2026

Switzerland supports ADS-L and ADS-B: Applications only until November 30, 2026

Switzerland is further advancing electronic visibility in airspace. As part of FASST-CH, the Federal Office for Civil Aviation is planning a future requirement for e-conspicuity. Key technologies include ADS-B Out on 1090 MHz and ADS-L in the SRD-860 band. Those who wish to voluntarily equip their aircraft or upgrade existing systems can apply for financial support through the Special Aviation Finance program. The deadline is crucial: applications for systems that fall under the planned later requirement,
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3rd October 2026

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20 years of FLARM: From a glider warning system to a component for the connected airspace

From a student project by three Swiss glider pilots, one of the most important electronic collision warning systems in general aviation has emerged within just two decades. Around 90,000 FLARM systems are currently in use, primarily in sailplanes, but increasingly also in motor aircraft and helicopters. At the same time, the environment is changing fundamentally: ADS-B is gaining importance in general aviation, drones require their own solutions for electronic visibility, and the EASA is working on an ADS-L concept.
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3rd October 2026

Flight medicine at the LBA: DAeC collects cases of lengthy procedures and missing decisions

The German Aero Club is intensifying its efforts to improve the speed and clarity of aviation medical procedures at the Federal Aviation Administration. After pilots have been reporting for years about long processing times, missing feedback, and difficult-to-understand workflows, problematic cases are now to be recorded centrally and in a structured manner. The goal is explicitly not to handle individual medical procedures, but to identify recurring structural problems. The initiative builds on a debate that has been ongoing for years, in which associations have already submitted petitions, held discussions with the Federal Aviation Administration, and submitted complaints to the German Aviation Safety Agency.
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3rd October 2026

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Operating your ADS-B transponder correctly: GND, ALT and IDENT explained clearly

The transponder is one of the most important, yet frequently underestimated, devices in the cockpit. It makes an aircraft visible to air traffic control and to many traffic collision avoidance systems. Modern Mode S transponders can also transmit ADS-B Out, thereby broadcasting the aircraft's position, altitude and identity. However, correct operation is crucial. In flight, the transponder should normally be set to the ALT mode, and on the ground – where applicable – to GND. The IDENT button is to be used exclusively upon instruction from air traffic control.
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6th September 2026

Avionik Straubing: Three long-serving employees take over the traditional company

A new era is beginning at Avionik Straubing. Martin Scheifl, Josef Breu and Stefan Schönsteiner have acquired the renowned avionics business from the previous owners, Iris and Gunter Hemmel. All three have been with the company for many years and together bring around 100 years of experience at Avionik Straubing. For customers, the management buyout is likely to mean continuity above all. At the same time, the new owners want to further develop the range of services and, in particular, integrate mechanical work more closely with
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6th September 2026

NFL Ticker

NFL 2026-1-4064 – Radio failure during IFR: New German procedures since October 2026

Since October 1, 2026, updated procedures for the loss of radio communication have been in effect in Germany. The new announcement by the Federal Aviation Safety Authority (BAFA) supplements the rules applicable across Europe under SERA.14083 and replaces the previous NfL 2026-1-3969. For IFR pilots, specific requirements are particularly important regarding transitions, RNAV-STARs and several major German airports. In addition to the well-known Squawk 7600, the new code 7601 is also gaining importance: it signals that an IFR pilot will continue to fly under visual conditions after a radio loss and will land at the nearest suitable airport.

NFL 2026-1-4054 – Visual approach to IFR: New rules for visual approaches in Germany

The Federal Aviation Authority has republished the German requirements for visual approaches using instrument flight rules. A visual approach remains an IFR flight in which parts or the entire published instrument approach procedure are not flown. The key difference is a change in responsibilities: After granting the clearance, the pilot assumes responsibility for obstacle clearance, while ATC generally continues to ensure the separation from other traffic. The new announcement also regulates visual approaches using radar guidance, runway changes during final approach, and numerous local restrictions at German airports.

NFL 2026-1-4053 – IFR slots in Germany: New announcement regarding ATFCM procedures

The Federal Aviation Administration has published the German rules for Air Traffic Flow and Capacity Management (ATFCM) again. The announcement NfL 2026-1-4053 replaces the previous regulation from 2019 and describes how EUROCONTROL Network Managers and DFS manage traffic flows when demand exceeds the available capacity of airspace or airports. The rules regarding flight planning, CTOT slots (short-term slot changes), rerouting and possible flight suspensions are particularly relevant for IFR pilots. Therefore, anyone flying IFR across Europe should not only cancel their flight plan, but also actively monitor their flight status until departure.

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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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