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There are always legal and technical innovations in private aviation - even if these are sometimes well hidden and not always obvious.
Here we try to give you an overview of the turmoil of the NfL (Nachrichten für Luftfahrer), current notifications from the LBA (Luftfahrtbundesamt) and exciting reports from the aviation sector.
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NFL 2026-1-4039 – Reduced Runway Separation: New DFS Rules from October 2026
The DFS is updating the rules for so-called reduced runway separation on 1 October 2026. The procedure allows air traffic controllers at selected German commercial airports to clear a succeeding aircraft for landing or take-off even though another aircraft is still on the same runway or has just vacated or flown over it. The prerequisites are clearly defined minimum distances as well as sufficiently good weather and runway conditions. Particularly for smaller propeller aircraft, this can result in shorter intervals and a
6th September 2026
Operating your ADS-B transponder correctly: GND, ALT and IDENT explained clearly
The transponder is one of the most important, yet frequently underestimated, devices in the cockpit. It makes an aircraft visible to air traffic control and to many traffic collision avoidance systems. Modern Mode S transponders can also transmit ADS-B Out, thereby broadcasting the aircraft's position, altitude and identity. However, correct operation is crucial. In flight, the transponder should normally be set to the ALT mode, and on the ground – where applicable – to GND. The IDENT button is to be used exclusively upon instruction from air traffic control.
6th September 2026
Avionik Straubing: Three long-serving employees take over the traditional company
A new era is beginning at Avionik Straubing. Martin Scheifl, Josef Breu and Stefan Schönsteiner have acquired the renowned avionics business from the previous owners, Iris and Gunter Hemmel. All three have been with the company for many years and together bring around 100 years of experience at Avionik Straubing. For customers, the management buyout is likely to mean continuity above all. At the same time, the new owners want to further develop the range of services and, in particular, integrate mechanical work more closely with
6th September 2026
ADS-B/UAT in Austria: test facility in Bad Vöslau clears next hurdle
AOPA Austria is pushing ahead with the establishment of a first ADS-B/UAT test facility in Austria. The airfield at Bad Vöslau is planned as the location. The project is intended to demonstrate how traffic data, weather information, NOTAMs and temporary airspace restrictions could in future be transmitted cost-effectively directly into the cockpit. However, important regulatory questions remain open. The focus is on potential interactions with the DME at Vienna Airport as well as the approval for the transmission of TIS-B traffic data. Technically, the project is based on
6th September 2026
The death of airfields in Germany: When valuable infrastructure gives way to other uses
Germany's network of commercial and special landing grounds is coming under increasing economic and political pressure. Municipal owners are questioning deficits, while alternative uses such as photovoltaics, commercial areas or camper van sites often promise higher and more predictable revenues. Several former airfields have already been repurposed. At the same time, examples like Offenburg or currently Wyk auf Föhr show that this trend does not necessarily have to continue. For general aviation, this is about much more than individual runways: with every
6th September 2026
Fire brigade after emergency or forced landing: Who pays for the call-out?
An emergency landing, precautionary landing or landing away from an airfield can turn out well and still prove expensive. If the fire brigade is put on alert as a precaution, the aircraft owner may incur substantial costs depending on the federal state, the deployment and local bylaws. Demands of several thousand euros are possible. Whether the aircraft owner's liability insurance covers such expenses cannot be answered with a blanket statement. The specific insurance terms and conditions are decisive. Clubs and private owners should therefore clarify even before an incident whether public law costs incurred by municipal or
6th September 2026
