The long-running customs dispute between the USA and the EU, with the possibility of drastic import tariffs on aircraft and components, has caused uncertainty in the aviation industry. However, the latest agreement spares the sector completely - an important step towards maintaining stable supply chains and avoiding massive cost increases. Even if other sectors of the economy remain critically affected by the trade agreement in some cases, the protection of the aviation industry offers clear planning security for manufacturers, operators and suppliers.

With the new MOSAIC regulations, the US aviation authority is fundamentally reforming the light aircraft segment. Rigid weight classes are being replaced by performance-based criteria. Pilots are being given new freedoms and manufacturers significantly more room for manoeuvre in terms of design and technology. The reform has the potential to change aviation beyond US borders.

The long-discussed future of the leaded aviation fuel Avgas 100LL in Europe has reached a decisive turning point. Just a few months ago, it was unclear whether the fuel product containing the controversial additive tetraethyl lead (TEL) could still be produced or used at all after 1 May 2025. It is now clear that the supply of 100LL is secured in Europe until April 2032 for the time being - at least for Shell products.

A new regulation of DFS Deutsche Flugsicherung GmbH for so-called HX airspaces will come into force on 24 July 2025. These are class C and D airspaces (not CTRs) and TMZs (Transponder Mandatory Zones) that can be activated or deactivated on a flexible basis depending on the use of certain runways. The change affects seven larger airspaces in Germany and replaces the previous Notice to Air Navigation (NfL

On 1 July 2025, the Federal Ministry of Transport published a new general ruling that applies to all pilots flying in Germany under visual flight rules at night (VFR Night) - especially in the area of the aerodrome circuit. The order replaces the previous announcement from 1 October 2014 (NfL 1-249-14) and brings with it a practical simplification: radio contact during night circuits is regulated more clearly.

As part of a military exercise, the Federal Ministry of Transport published an announcement on 11 June 2025 regarding the temporary establishment of a flight restriction area in south-western German airspace. The affected area around the US Ramstein Air Base lies within the area of responsibility of the Langen Flight Information Region (FIR) and particularly affects general aviation, drone operators and model aircraft in the Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland region. The measure was officially announced under the name ED-R Ramstein in the news for

In connection with a large-scale military exercise in north-eastern German airspace, the Federal Ministry of Transport issued an announcement on 11 June 2025 designating several temporary and geographically limited areas with flight restrictions (ED-R) as well as danger areas in the Bremen flight information region and the upper Rhine flight information region. The measure primarily affects airspace over Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Brandenburg and parts of Saxony-Anhalt and Schleswig-Holstein - with implications for civil air traffic, particularly for general aviation.

In the course of planned military activities, the Federal Ministry of Transport has established a temporary flight restriction area in the Bremen flight information region with effect from 26 May 2025. This affects the airspace around Bückeburg, where flight operations for civilian and unmanned aircraft will be significantly restricted between 25 and 28 June 2025. The measure was published in the aviation bulletin (NfL 2025-1-3497) and particularly affects general aviation (GA), drone operators and model aircraft in

In an announcement dated 23 May 2025, the Federal Ministry of Transport specified two temporary areas with flight restrictions (ED-R) in the Bremen flight information region (FIR). The temporally and spatially limited airspace closures particularly affect the north-west German area around the North Sea coast and the Jagel area in Schleswig-Holstein. The background to this measure is military activities as part of Bundeswehr training programmes and the associated safety requirements for civil air traffic. The details of the flight restrictions can be found below

With the publication of an updated Safety Information Bulletin (SIB 2024-10), the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has once again drawn attention to the considerable risks that can be posed by lithium-ion and lithium-metal batteries - especially when improperly transported or used on board aircraft. The reason for the new bulletin is an increase in safety-related incidents in civil aviation in connection with these widely used energy sources.

There is currently considerable unrest in the Belgian aviation community. Two major commercial airports - Antwerp (EBAW) and Ostend-Bruges (EBOS) - have effectively banned the operation of aircraft fuelled with AVGAS 100LL. This is justified by allegedly stricter environmental protection requirements. However, what sounds like ecological responsibility turns out on closer inspection to be legally questionable, technically rushed and potentially devastating in its effect - not just for the Belgian aviation industry, but for the entire aviation industry.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has introduced new requirements for holders of FAA pilot licences residing outside the USA. These regulations require that affected individuals provide a physical address in the United States or designate a so-called "U.S. Agent for Service".

On 21 May 2025, the updated joint federal and state principles for the approval of public aviation events were published in "Nachrichten für Luftfahrer" (NfL 2025-1-3489). The aim is to ensure that air shows, aerobatic events and air sports competitions are organised in a uniform, legally compliant and risk-minimising manner throughout Germany.

Munich will host the UEFA Champions League final on 31 May 2025. As part of the extensive security precautions, the Federal Ministry of Transport has established a temporary flight restriction area above the Allianz Arena. The measure affects drones, model aircraft and all visual flights in the affected airspace.

With effect from 16 May 2025, the German Federal Aviation Authority (LBA) in Braunschweig has published new minimum technical requirements for paramotor gliders and paramotor trikes. The updated airworthiness requirements comprehensively regulate the type testing, certification and safe operation of this special class of microlight aircraft.

With effect from 10 July 2025, the Federal Ministry of Transport has defined numerous new flight restriction areas (ED-R) or adapted existing regulations by general decree. The measures primarily affect general aviation and require private and professional pilots to pay increased attention when preparing for flights.

From 19 May 2025, several temporary danger zones for air traffic will apply in Mecklenburg Bay. The reason for this is the operation of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) beyond visual range. This means increased vigilance and rescheduling, especially for general aviation pilots.

The introduction of the ACR-PCR method marks the dawn of a new era in international aviation infrastructure. Austria is also adapting to the new ICAO requirements - with the aim of strengthening operational safety, resource conservation and international harmonisation.

With effect from 25 April 2025, the Federal Supervisory Authority for Air Navigation Services (BAF) has published a comprehensively revised regulation for conducting visual approaches under instrument flight rules (IFR). The announcement, published in "Nachrichten für Luftfahrer", defines standardised requirements, procedures and restrictions under which visual approaches are permitted - both at the pilot's initiative and at the suggestion of air traffic control. The new standard ensures that visual approaches are integrated efficiently and safely into approach operations.

As part of a planned military exercise, the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport Affairs (BMDV) has announced the establishment of a temporary flight restriction zone in south-eastern Bavaria with effect from 24 April 2025. The new zone is called "ED-R Reichenhall" and affects the upper controlled airspace in the Munich flight information region. The measure is based on Section 17 (1) sentence 2 of the German Air Traffic Regulations (LuftVO) and will be activated as part of military activities lasting several days. All

With effect from 30 April 2025, a new temporary flight restriction zone will come into force in northern Schleswig-Holstein: "ED-R Klixbüll". This measure was established by the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport Affairs on the basis of Section 17 (1) sentence 2 of the German Air Traffic Regulations (LuftVO) and affects all aircraft, including drones and model aircraft. The reason for the closure is a long-term research project in cooperation with the company SkySails Power GmbH. What this means for

With the start of the new 2025 flying season, many glider pilots are in for an unpleasant surprise when looking at the current ICAO glider chart: the usual altitude information, the chart material and even the print quality appear to have changed - and are causing justified irritation. The cause is a far-reaching change in chart production by German Air Traffic Control (DFS), which affects the charts for both gliders and motorised aircraft.

On 1 May 2025, a comprehensively revised announcement of the Federal Supervisory Authority for Air Navigation Services (BAF) will come into force, which regulates the behaviour in the event of a radio link failure during a flight. The new regulation is based on Section 29 (1) No. 2 of the German Air Traffic Regulations (LuftVO) and specifies, among other things, the EU legal framework in accordance with Annex SERA.14083 of Implementing Regulation (EU) No. 923/2012. The new regulation serves to standardise and clarify existing procedures, especially for flights under instrument flight rules

General aviation in Europe benefits from simplified regulations that allow pilots and owners to carry out certain maintenance work on their aircraft themselves. This possibility is regulated in Annex Vb (Part-ML) of Regulation (EU) No 1321/2014. This article highlights the legal basis, requirements and practical aspects of pilot/owner maintenance.