Background: The planned change to the fee regulation
Until now, the FSBV (Section 8 (7)) one Exemption from approach charges for aircraft weighing less than 2,000 kg. This meant that in particular Private pilots, flight schools and smaller aviation companies did not have to bear any additional costs for landings at regional airports with control zones.
At the end of February 2025, however, a Message for pilots (NfL) which announced the end of this fee exemption. If this change had come into force, it would have meant that pilots a fee of around 20 euros for each approach to a regional airport with a control zone would have to pay.
This would not only have meant an additional financial burden for private pilots, but could also have led to a Reducing the use of regional airports by small aircraft led to additional costs. Flying schools and air sports clubs in particular would have suffered from the additional costs, as training flights regularly use controlled airfields.
Committed resistance by aviation organisations
The planned introduction of these approach charges has been criticised by several major aviation organisations in Germany as unacceptable categorised. In a coordinated approach, the following associations campaigned for the decision to be reversed:
- IDRF (Interest group of the regional aerodromes)
- ADV (Working Group of German Commercial Airports)
- AOPA Germany (Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association)
- DAeC (German Aero Club e.V.)
Through close cooperation between these organisations, sufficient political and public pressure was built up to stop the planned measure. The decision to cancel the fee exemption was subsequently reversed.
Outlook: What does this mean for general aviation?
Although the increase in approach fees is off the table for the time being, the issue remains relevant for the future. The German Aero Club (DAeC) has announced that it will closely monitor further developments and will if necessary, to participate in a joint positioning of the associations. It will also inform its members of new developments in good time.
It remains to be seen whether an adjustment of the fee regulations for small aircraft will be discussed again in the future. Pilots and aviation organisations should therefore remain vigilant and continue to campaign for fair and practical regulations in aviation.
Source references:
DAEC
