Background to the new regulation
The flight controller, traditionally a key figure at many uncontrolled aerodromes, was previously responsible for monitoring and coordinating flight operations. With the publication of NfL 1-2024-3106, the role has been redefined and the term "Operations Manager" was introduced. This amendment limits the duties of this position and stipulates that the permanent presence of such a person may be waived under certain conditions.
While these changes represent a long overdue relief for many aerodrome operators, there are still challenges in practice. In many cases State aviation authorities The applications submitted by the aerodrome operators to amend the licences have not yet been processed. Although the legal framework for a favourable decision has long been in place, some authorities are experiencing considerable delays, which is slowing down progress and causing resentment.
Progress in North Rhine-Westphalia: pioneering roles of the district governments of Münster and Düsseldorf
However, pleasing developments can be North Rhine-Westphalia to report. The Münster district government has recently Model operating concept and a Sample application to the aerodromes in their area of responsibility. These documents are intended to serve as a guide for operators when submitting applications and show how pragmatically and flexibly the new rules can be implemented. This enables operators to take into account the individual characteristics of their aerodrome and the type of flight operations.
A concrete example of the success of this new approach is the Borkenberge airfieldwhich recently received authorisation to conduct flight operations without the permanent presence of an operations manager. This authorisation is an important step for general aviation, as it shows that the new regulations can actually be put into practice.
The Düsseldorf district government has become active and offers Information events to educate aerodrome operators about the new regulations and facilitate the application process. This proactive approach has proven to be extremely helpful and helps to reduce the uncertainties that many operators still have.
Challenges during implementation: delays and resistance
Despite these positive examples, there are many other State aviation authorities considerable delays in the implementation of the new rules. This reluctance means that the process is being unnecessarily slowed down and some aerodromes are still having to wait for decisions. This is particularly annoying because the legal and practical basis already exists to issue authorisations in a timely manner.
The Initiative "Flying without a flight controller"which are Guido Frey and the AOPA-Germany has been working intensively since the introduction of the new regulations in spring 2023 to ensure that they are implemented more quickly and across the board. They have repeatedly offered to make their expertise and existing concepts available. These concepts were already developed last year and could be adapted to the current requirements with little effort. It remains incomprehensible why some authorities are not making use of this offer and delaying the introduction.
Technical requirements and safety aspects
A central point that plays a role in the implementation of the new regulations is the necessary Technical customisation of the aerodromes. The Fire extinguishing and rescue precautions must comply with current standards before operations are possible without an operations manager. This includes the aerodromes being § Section 41 of the German Air Traffic Licensing Regulations (LuftVZO) indicate the corresponding adjustments and confirm that the measures have been implemented in practice.
Despite these technical requirements, some aerodromes have not yet fully implemented these adjustments, which represents a crucial hurdle in the authorisation process. Without these measures, the new regulations cannot be applied, which further slows down the process.
Why is flying without an operations manager important?
The question of why some aerodromes are opposed to the Flying without an operations manager are often asked. Critics wonder why this issue is being pursued with such determination. The answer lies in the Vision of freer and simpler flying in Germany. For many pilots and operators, it is clear that aerodromes need to become more autonomous and flexible. A key advantage of flying without an operations manager is that flight operations can be carried out outside of busy times without additional personnel resources.
However, the move towards more flexibility does not mean that the role of the operations manager will be completely abolished. Aerodrome operators still have the option of deploying an operations manager temporarily or permanently if required. The Principle of flight operations without an operations manager However, the aim should be to achieve more freedom and efficiency in the long term.
Conclusion: A necessary step into the future
The introduction of flight operations without an operations manager is a A step in the right direction for general aviation in Germany. The new regulations offer aerodrome operators and pilots more autonomy and flexibility. Despite the delays experienced by some authorities to date, North Rhine-Westphalia has shown that pragmatic and flexible implementation is possible. The example aerodromes such as Borkenberge are encouraging that this development will become established nationwide.
It is now up to the remaining State aviation authoritiesto follow the example of the district governments of Münster and Düsseldorf and to process the applications from aerodromes swiftly.
Source references:
AOPA
