Background to the flight restrictions
The flight restrictions relate to the EUDASS research project, which is concerned with conducting complex scientific investigations in airspace. In order to be able to carry out these research flights safely and efficiently, it was decided to temporarily lower the lower limit of airspace ED-R 203A. Normally, the lower limit of this airspace is above flight level 70 (approximately 7000 feet above sea level), but this will be lowered to flight level 70 for the period from 26 August to 13 September 2024.
Impact on aviation
This temporary adjustment has a direct impact on air traffic in the affected region. The lowering of the lower limit means that the airspace for aircraft that normally operate below this limit is not accessible or only accessible to a limited extent during this period. This particularly affects VFR flights (visual flight rules) and smaller aircraft travelling at lower altitudes.
German Air Traffic Control (DFS) will announce the exact periods during which the lowering is active the day before via NOTAMs (Notice to Airmen). This information is crucial for pilots to adjust their flight planning accordingly and avoid potential conflicts with the research flights.
The EUDASS research project
The EUDASS (European Unmanned Data Acquisition and Sensing System) research project aims to test and validate new technologies for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). It is part of a larger European programme that focuses on the development and integration of drones in civil aviation. The findings from these research flights could be decisive for the future use of UAVs in regular airspace and thus also for the further development of air traffic infrastructure.
Legal consequences of violations
Violations of the established flight restrictions will be prosecuted in accordance with Section 62 of the Air Traffic Act. It is strongly recommended that all aircraft operators and pilots inform themselves about these restrictions and take appropriate precautions to avoid legal consequences.
Source references:
NFL (the link requires a subscription to Eisenschmidt)
