Background to the notice
With the new regulation, DFS is implementing existing requirements of the Air Traffic Regulations and at the same time replacing an older regulation from 2004. The adjustment has become necessary because German airspace has become increasingly dense in recent years. In addition to traditional IFR traffic in the control zones and approach sectors, more activities are now taking place in uncontrolled airspace - including gliding, parachuting, UAS applications and new special areas that can open and close dynamically.
This coexistence places high demands on the separation and coordination of traffic participants. DFS now transparently determines how much vertical separation is maintained between controlled flights and the defined airspace boundaries.
Scope of the new regulation
The regulations apply to all major commercial airports at which DFS provides air navigation services - including Berlin-Brandenburg, Frankfurt, Munich, Hamburg, Düsseldorf, Cologne/Bonn and other regional airports. The regulation also applies to the entire approach control service and the area control service (ACC), i.e. to large parts of German airspace above and between the terminal areas.
This covers almost all areas in which IFR traffic regularly approaches or is routed along airspace boundaries.
Structure of German airspace - why vertical distances are relevant
German airspace is divided into classes C, D, E and G. Each class has different requirements for communication, separation and flight rules. There are also additional temporary or permanent areas such as:
- ED-R (restricted areas)
- Glider sectors
- Parachute jump sectors
- UAS operating areas
- Military training zones
In airspace E in particular - where IFR and VFR are mixed - situations frequently arise in which controlled IFR flights are conducted in the immediate vicinity of active VFR areas. DFS is now specifying how the vertical separation is to be handled in a standardised manner.
The new vertical distancing rules in detail
1. minimum vertical distance of 500 feet
DFS always maintains a vertical separation of 500 feet from airspace boundaries and defined areas during controlled flights. This includes
- the upper limits of sectors used by gliders
- Altitude limits of active skydiving zones
- Boundaries of ED-R areas
- Upper limits of UAS sectors
- Transitions between airspace E and G
This creates a deliberate safety buffer for IFR flights without unnecessarily restricting the airspace for VFR activities.
2. deviations only with individual agreement
If co-operating users - such as gliding sectors or military areas - make individual agreements, this distance can be reduced. Such exceptions often relate to known seasonal peak periods or coordinated flight days.
3. use of these airspaces under the pilots' own responsibility
Pilots who climb or descend to the upper limit of an airspace must be aware that:
- above the limit IFR traffic can be conducted with a distance of only 500 ft
- no wake turbulence of 1,000 ft is guaranteed
- the responsibility for maintaining safe distances lies with them
For VFR pilots in particular, this means increased care when climbing, gliding and navigating at limit altitudes.
Significance for general aviation
The adjustment is particularly relevant for pilots who frequently fly in the following areas:
- in thermal regions with known gliding sectors
- in the vicinity of jump sites
- in regions with military activities
- in heavily used UAS zones (e.g. research facilities or drone corridors)
It ensures greater transparency by clearly defining how close IFR traffic is typically routed to sector boundaries. At the same time, the airspace is utilised more efficiently: IFR traffic does not have to maintain a safety distance of 1,000 ft from each sector, which would prevent unnecessary restrictions.
This means for VFR practice:
- Consistently comply with limit heights
- Utilise transponders and hearing readiness as much as possible
- increased attention when approaching such altitude ranges
- Precise planning based on current ICAO chart, AIP SUPs and local airspace information
Classification in international standards
Other European countries, such as France and the Netherlands, also have procedures in which IFR traffic is managed with smaller vertical separation distances close to active sectors. Germany is thus following the trend of operating airspace more flexibly and efficiently - especially in view of increasing IFR traffic and growing UAS activities.
Entry into force and significance for pilots
The new regulation will enter into force on 27 November 2025. At the same time, the previous announcement from 2004 will be cancelled. Pilots, flight schools and clubs should update their procedures and briefings in good time, in particular
- Training documents for VFR flights in airspace E
- Introduction to borderline areas of active sectors
- Awareness training for gliding and skydiving operations
Conclusion
With the new specifications, DFS is clarifying how vertical distances to airspace boundaries are handled for controlled flights. The defined 500-foot buffer creates a better balance between safety, capacity and flexibility. For general aviation pilots, this means one thing above all: conscious navigation at borderline altitudes and a good understanding of the structure of German airspace. Those who observe these rules help to ensure that the limited airspace can be utilised efficiently and safely.
Source references:
NFL (the link requires a subscription to Eisenschmidt)
