Why do we need new standardised rules?
Aviation events such as air shows, air shows or competitions with motorised and glider aircraft, helicopters, parachutists or drones are very popular with the public and also provide a stage for technology, precision and flying skills. At the same time, they are associated with increased risk potential - both for participants and spectators.
The principles now published concretise existing provisions of the German Air Traffic Act (LuftVG) and the German Air Traffic Licensing Regulations (LuftVZO) and create uniform standards for applications, implementation, supervision and safety at events involving aircraft.
Scope of application and responsibility
The authorisation requirement applies to all public events involving aircraft - regardless of whether they are manned or unmanned. This includes
- Show presentations (e.g. aerobatic displays)
- Competition flights
- Formation or formation flights
However, no authorisation according to § 24 LuftVG is required:
- Non-public events
- Events with pure model aircraft, UAS or non-powered aerial sports equipment without passenger transport
However, these may be subject to notification and may be relevant to airspace (e.g. by DFS via NOTAM).
Authorisation procedure: Application and requirements
Application
An application for authorisation must be submitted no later than eight weeks before the start of the event to the responsible state aviation authority. In the case of transnational events, the Federal Ministry of Transport coordinates responsibility in agreement with the federal states.
The application must include the following points:
- Venue and period of the event
- Planned air shows or competitions
- Safety concept and proof of insurance
- Details of the event organiser
Special requirements
Depending on the type of event, additional requirements or measures may be necessary, e.g:
- Emergency planning and accident reporting system
- Noise protection measures
- Publication of relevant air traffic control data at least two hours before the start (NOTAM obligation)
Event organiser: central person responsible
The organiser must appoint a professionally qualified person as Event organiser appoint. This person is responsible for implementation, monitoring and documentation. Its duties include, among other things
- On-site presence and flight supervision during the event
- Training and information for all participating pilots
- Checking the licences, insurance and airworthiness of the aircraft used
- Immediate prevention of programme items in the event of violations or dangers
During the event, an event organiser may do not fly yourself or at the same time work as a plant manager.
Minimum standards for participating pilots
Participants must fulfil the following requirements:
- Valid licence and authorisations
- Sufficient practice and experience with the planned flight manoeuvres
- Documentation via the official control sheet
Foreign pilots must also comply with the German minimum requirements - even if their national pilot licence is less strict.
Safety requirements: minimum distances, heights, weather
Specific operational safety requirements are regulated in a separate section:
- Minimum distances between aircraft and spectator line
- Safety lines in the field
- Maximum speeds and Minimum flight altitudes
- Visibility and weather conditions for demonstrations
- Ban on certain flights if conditions are inadequate
Special regulations for specialised disciplines
Separate provisions apply to:
- Aerobatics with jet-powered aircraft
- Formation aerobatics
- Parachute jumps
- Model aircraft and UAS over 25 kg
- Aircraft not involved in the demonstration that are moving in the airspace
These are subject to increased requirements in terms of coordination, technology and safety.
Conclusion: Standardised framework strengthens safety
The new common principles ensure that aviation events be planned and implemented nationwide according to comparable standards. They promote legal certainty for organisers, reduce risks for participants and spectators - and thus also strengthen confidence in the public perception of air shows and air days.
Organisers should consult with the responsible aviation authority at an early stage to avoid delays or rejections in the approval process. The new rules provide clear guidance for safe and professional implementation.
Source references:
NFL (the link requires a subscription to Eisenschmidt)
