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.

General aviation (GA) in Germany is facing a significant challenge: the financing of air navigation services at regional aerodromes has been thrown into disarray. The latest developments surrounding the Ordinance on the Charging of Costs for the Utilisation of Air Navigation Services and Facilities for Approaches and Departures (FSAAKV) have led to uncertainty and raise questions about the future of regional aviation infrastructure.

With effect from 30 May to 6 June 2025, the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport Affairs (BMDV) has established a temporary flight restriction area in the Bremen flight information region. The corresponding order was issued on the basis of Section 17 (1) sentence 2 of the German Air Traffic Regulations (LuftVO) and relates to an area north of Rostock. The announcement was made via the Notices to Airmen (NfL 2025-1-3441) and supplements the existing flight restriction areas in northern Germany. The new area is called

As part of a new scientific research project, the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport Affairs (BMDV) has issued a temporary flight restriction for a defined area in the Bremen flight information centre. This measure serves to protect the airspace and operational safety during the project period. The measure was published on 1 April 2025 in an announcement in the Nachrichten für Luftfahrer (NfL 2025-1-3440) and is effective from 3 April 2025.

With effect from 25 March to 5 April 2025, the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport Affairs (BMDV) has defined several temporary areas with flight restrictions in German airspace. The measure is in accordance with Section 17 (1) sentence 2 of the German Air Traffic Regulations (LuftVO) and relates in particular to the Bremen, Langen and Munich flight information regions. It is essential for general aviation to know and avoid these zones, as they have a direct impact on flight routes,

From 2 April 2025, the United Kingdom will introduce a new entry requirement: travellers from visa-free countries, including Germany and other EU states, will need an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) to enter the country. This measure applies to tourist stays as well as business trips and transit through the United Kingdom.

General aviation in Germany is facing a serious challenge: more and more freelance flight instructors and flight schools are being confronted with accusations of bogus self-employment by the German Pension Insurance (DRV). In practice, this means high additional claims for social security contributions, sometimes over several years - a financial burden that threatens the existence of many of those affected. The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association Germany (AOPA-Germany), one of the most important organisations representing the interests of general aviation in Germany, has published

DFS Aviation Services GmbH (DAS) has announced a significant change for air traffic in Germany: from 17 April 2025, a reduced runway separation will be introduced at several German airports. This regulation is intended to optimise the flow of traffic and lead to more efficient processes, particularly at busier airports. The new runway separation applies to aircraft using the same runway and applies at selected controlled aerodromes where DAS provides the aerodrome control service.

Swiss aviation is facing a significant adjustment to the airspace around Zurich Airport (LSZH). From 20 March 2025, a new airspace structure will come into force that will affect both civil and military airspace in the Zurich and Dübendorf area. This reorganisation is based on existing instrument flight procedures (IFP) and aims to make air traffic more efficient and safer. The adjustment has an impact on various

Temporary flight restrictions are regularly imposed in German airspace, particularly in connection with military exercises or security-related events. The Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport Affairs (BMDV) has now announced a new restriction for the airspace above Bremen: The temporary "ED-R Stoneage" will be activated on several days in the period from 31 March to 10 April 2025 to enable a military exercise. This measure has a significant impact on air traffic and affects

General aviation is subject to continuous adjustments and new regulations, particularly with regard to flight planning, air traffic management and prioritisation mechanisms. Recently, new regulations for special flight statuses, ATFM (Air Traffic Flow Management) restrictions and requirements for special operations in German airspace have been published. These changes have a significant impact on pilots, airlines and authorities.

Austro Control GmbH, which is responsible for air traffic control in Austria, has published a revised Aeronautical Information Communication (AIC A 4/25). This replaces the previous version AIC A 7/24 and introduces numerous changes and innovations, particularly in the area of flight plan filing and special regulations for flights within Austria.

On 18 February 2025, the Federal Ministry of Digital and Transport announced a temporary extension of the airspace restrictions for the areas ED-R 201A (TRA-Friesland 1) and ED-R 301A (TRA-Friesland 2). This measure concerns 4 April 2025, when these airspaces will be closed to general air traffic from 06:00 UTC to 17:15 UTC.

The Federal Ministry of Digital and Transport Affairs has issued a temporary airspace restriction over the ED-R Peenemünde area in the Bremen flight information region. The measure comes into force on 24 February 2025 and is valid until 31 December 2025. The restricted airspace serves as a protective measure for an ongoing research project that is being conducted during this period. All non-participating aircraft, drones and model aircraft are not permitted to fly in the area.

DFS Deutsche Flugsicherung GmbH (DFS) has published new guidelines for the application of reduced runway separation, which will come into force on 20 March 2025. This regulation makes it possible to reduce the distance between aircraft on the same runway under certain conditions, allowing air traffic to be handled more efficiently. The measure primarily affects smaller and medium-weight aircraft at major German commercial airports.