These regulations came into force on 23 March 2023 and aim to increase safety and efficiency in German airspace, particularly in areas with dense or complex air traffic.
Background and scope of application
The new regulations apply specifically to flights under visual flight rules (VFR) in areas that require mandatory transponder reporting. This primarily affects regions in the vicinity of IFR aerodromes and certain gliding sites that fall under these regulations due to their proximity to busy routes or their geographical location.
Key elements of the scheme
- Transponder obligationIn these special TMZs, all aircraft flying under VFR must be equipped with a switched-on and functioning transponder. This transponder must transmit a valid code known to air traffic control, which makes it possible to uniquely identify the aircraft and track its movements in the airspace.
- Frequency monitoringWhile in a TMZ, pilots are required to monitor the frequency published on the ICAO chart and remain on standby to receive instructions from air traffic control or information from other aircraft.
- Procedure for entry and exitWhen entering a TMZ, the pilot reports leaving the FIS frequency if necessary and changes his transponder code to the transponder code given on the ICAO chart. In addition, the pilot must be ready to listen on the published frequency.
Objective and significance of the regulations
These regulations were introduced to increase safety in airspace through improved monitoring and communication between aircraft and air traffic control. They help to avoid collisions and ensure smooth air traffic in complex or densely populated areas.
Transponder Mandatory Zones are a critical component of air traffic control, especially in regions with mixed IFR and VFR traffic.
You can find the NFL here: NFL-TMZ
Source references:
NFL