Freedom of information as the basis for progress
The concept of "flying without a flight controller" has gained momentum in recent years - not least thanks to targeted access to official information. The Interest group flying without a flight controller emphasises that the German Freedom of Information Act (IFG) played a decisive role in this. For example, IFG requests made it possible to view the minutes of the Federal-Länder Aviation Committee - a process that enabled the initiators to make well-founded and objective arguments to the authorities.
However, there is now a threat of a setback: as part of the ongoing coalition negotiations at federal level, a drastic restriction or even abolition of the Freedom of Information Act is apparently under discussion. Should this come to pass, future reform initiatives in aviation would be massively impeded. Initiatives such as "Frag den Staat", which systematically support such requests, warn of a relapse into non-transparent decision-making processes.
IFR operations without a flight controller: an option with potential - and resistance
Another topic that is currently on the agenda is the Instrument flight operations (IFR) without mandatory air traffic control at smaller aerodromes. The background to this is the federal government's consideration of reducing or completely cancelling subsidies for air traffic control services at smaller IFR airfields. This would pose massive economic challenges for many airfields.
The solution could lie in an operating concept without a flight controller - a practice that is already commonplace in countries such as France, the USA and Australia. There, operations are based on clearly defined procedures, usually supported by unmanned radio navigation and coordinated self-announcements by the pilots.
The Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport Affairs (BMDV) has initially signalled its openness to an implementation based on the international model. However, there are still concerns on the part of German Air Traffic Control (DFS) and the Federal Supervisory Authority for Air Traffic Control (BAF) - particularly with regard to safety standards and legal liability issues.
New style of communication: involvement of associations
There are signs of a positive change in the culture of dialogue between authorities and associations. In March 2025, the BMDV held an open round of talks with representatives of the state aviation authorities, relevant associations and individual aerodromes for the first time. This new openness replaces the previous model, in which decisions were made in small groups and then passed on for comment.
The hope is that practical solutions can be developed more quickly and in a more targeted manner through early involvement. At the same time, trust in the reform process is strengthened - a necessary step in view of the sometimes slow progress made in the past.
Best practice example Roitzschjora: How it can work
A particularly successful example of aeronautical self-administration without a flight director is the Roitzschjora airfield. The current availability of the aerodrome can be immediately recognised via a simple, publicly accessible website using a symbol display (green "yes"). The solution dispenses with complicated approval processes and at the same time fulfils the requirements for planning and safety - a model for many other airfields.
Digitalisation: focus on electronic main logbook
A lot is also happening in aerodrome management. The classic main flight logbook - a relic from the 1930s - is increasingly coming under scrutiny. In addition to established software solutions, customised projects are emerging in many places. For example, Johannes Köhne has developed a user-friendly digital accounting solution for Weilerswist airfield, which is attracting interest from the aviation community. The long-term goal is to completely abolish the analogue main flight logbook - also in terms of reducing bureaucracy and digitalisation.
Conclusion: Progress with obstacles - commitment counts now
The development towards "flying without an air traffic controller" is a prime example of how committed stakeholders with expertise and access to information can initiate change in aviation. However, the impending restriction of the Freedom of Information Act not only threatens this specific path to reform, but also many other areas in which transparency is the key to innovation.
This makes it all the more important that pilots, operators and associations take a stand. Only through political commitment - for example by supporting appropriate petitions - can the future viability of air sports and general aviation be secured in the long term.
Source references:
Flieger.News