From a special path to normality
While flying without an air traffic controller has long been established in many European countries such as Italy, the UK and Scandinavia, Germany has long struggled to implement it. In this country, aerodromes have traditionally been regarded as strictly regulated infrastructures whose operation always requires direct supervision. However, the principle of pilots independently communicating their intentions and adhering to procedures on an aerodrome frequency has long been established internationally.
The amendment of the legal framework at federal and EU level has paved the way for the creation of more flexible structures in Germany. It is now up to the state aviation authorities and aerodrome operators to utilise this freedom. How quickly this happens depends heavily on the attitude of the authorities and the openness of the operators. While some regions are making rapid progress, others are still hesitant. However, the overall trend is clear: the group of sceptics is getting smaller.
Pioneers Porta Westfalica and Roitzschjora
The Porta Westfalica airfield (EDVY) set a milestone. With around 14,000 aircraft movements per year, it is one of the busiest aerodromes in the general aviation segment. The concept was implemented here step by step: Operations managers withdrew during regular opening hours, while pilots handle their procedures independently. The only requirement is that crews inform themselves in advance about the published procedures - a hurdle that is now easy to overcome thanks to digital information options.
Another example of practice-orientated implementation is the Roitzschjora airfield (EDAW) near Leipzig. Here, the focus is on transparency: a traffic light display on the website indicates whether the PPR regulation (Prior Permission Required) has been granted across the board, whether a quick call is necessary or whether no landings are possible on the day in question. This clear, user-friendly system avoids unnecessary bureaucracy - a model for other airports.
Between diversity and uniformity
Germany faces a particular challenge due to its federal system. More than 35 state aviation authorities are formally independent, which leads to a large number of slightly differing implementation practices. Although the procedures are similar at their core - clarifying PPR regulations, checking AIPs and NOTAMs, paying landing fees digitally, transmitting take-off and landing times - the details vary. For pilots, this means additional coordination work and occasional uncertainty.
Aviation associations are therefore calling for greater standardisation. The aim is for pilots to be able to spontaneously and reliably recognise in flight which airfields can be approached without an air traffic controller. This is where navigation apps come into play: integrating the relevant information would be enormously helpful in practice and would increase acceptance.
European practice as a role model
A look at Italy shows how smoothly operations can function without a flight director. At this year's AOPA fly-out to Ferrara (LIPF), German crews experienced everyday life at a site where there are no flight controllers. Pilots reported their positions blindly in the aerodrome circuit, while gliders and parachutists also coordinated via radio. Despite the lively activity, everything ran smoothly, respectfully and safely.
What was particularly striking was that the mixed operation of different aviation sectors posed no problem. Consideration, clear communication and a willingness to listen to each other ensured that everything ran smoothly. The simplicity of the system surprised many participants: no fixed opening hours, no landing fees - instead, trust in the pilots' own responsibility. A fridge with drinks on a trust basis completed the picture.
Security and personal responsibility
Critics of the system fear that a lack of flight controllers could lead to safety risks. However, international experience shows that the opposite is the case: pilots take on responsibility, are more involved and communicate more intensively. Dispensing with unnecessary hierarchies leads to more initiative and - paradoxically - often to more discipline.
For Germany, this means a cultural change: away from an overprotected system towards more personal responsibility in general aviation.
Outlook
The progress made in recent months is a sign of change. Even if implementation is not yet running smoothly everywhere, there are clear signs of improvement. It will be crucial that state aviation authorities proactively support the opportunities and do not slow them down with detailed regulations.
Flying without a flight controller is no longer an experiment, but a realistic part of the future of general aviation in Germany. More standardised procedures, digital support through navigation apps and orientation towards international best practices could ensure that Germany is no longer a laggard but a pioneer in Europe.he future of aviation in the country.
Source references:
AOPA