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NFL 2024-1-3106 - New regulations for flight operations without operations management in Germany

Last updated on 5 May 2024
On 30 April 2024, the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport issued new principles for flight operations at landing sites and glider airfields without air traffic services.

A particular focus of these guidelines is on the procedures and requirements for flight operations without established management, a measure aimed at increasing the flexibility of small aerodromes without compromising safety.

Background to the regulation

There are numerous smaller airfields in Germany that operate outside of regular service hours or without any permanent air traffic services at all. This flexibility is particularly important for regional and local flight activities, but requires clear guidelines to ensure safety and order.

Key points of the new principles

The principles define how aerodromes can be operated without permanent operations management, particularly during periods or under conditions that do not require a continuous operations manager. The main elements of the guideline include

  1. Ensuring the safe operating conditionEven without operations management, aerodrome operators must ensure the safe condition of the aerodrome. This includes the maintenance of the runways, the functionality of the navigation and safety equipment and the performance of regular safety checks.
  2. Communication and informationAerodrome operators are obliged to make important information about operating times, special operating conditions and local regulations available to users of the aerodrome. This often includes regulations defined by PPR (Prior Permission Required) and communication is often digital or via notices at the aerodrome.
  3. Emergency and rescue measuresIn the absence of management, clear procedures must be implemented for emergencies. These include the availability and accessibility of rescue equipment and the instruction of staff in emergency procedures.
  4. Requirements for aerodrome utilisationUsers must be informed about special procedures such as the use of runways, taxiing procedures and the parking of aircraft. The rules for border control and customs must also be clearly defined.

You can find the NFL here: NfL_2024-1-3106_Betriebsleitung.pdf (daec.de)


Source references:
NFL

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