From 21 September 2024, a special zone with mandatory radio communication and transponders, known as the Radio and Transponder Mandatory Zone (RMZ/TMZ), will be established. This measure serves to increase flight safety during the busy period of the Oktoberfest, an event that attracts millions of visitors every year and brings with it increased air traffic.
Expansion and effectiveness of the RMZ/TMZ Munich
The temporary RMZ/TMZ Munich comprises an airspace with a radius of 9 nautical miles around the coordinate point 48°07'59" N and 11°33'53" E, which corresponds to the centre of Munich. Vertically, this zone extends from the ground to the lower limit of airspace C above, which begins in Munich. This measure comes into force daily from 06:00 UTC to 23:30 UTC and will remain active until 6 October 2024.
Exceptions and delimitations
There are specific exceptions to this rule that affect certain airspaces and operations:
- Excluded airspaces: The control zones (airspace D) of Munich (EDDM) and Oberpfaffenhofen (EDMO) airports, the existing flight restriction area "ED-R Munich" and the RMZ Oberschleißheim are excluded from the temporary RMZ/TMZ.
- Exceptions for certain flights: Police flights, rescue and disaster control operations and ambulance flights are exempt from the regulation, as is the operation of model aircraft and unmanned aerial systems (drones) up to a height of 120 metres above ground.
Operating rules in the RMZ/TMZ
Aircraft operating under visual flight rules (VFR) in this area must transmit on the frequency 135.600 MHz ("Police Info") and send the transponder code A6375 without being requested to do so. Before entering the RMZ/TMZ, an initial report is required, which must contain the following information:
- Identifier of the called ground station,
- Callsign and type of aircraft,
- Current location, flight altitude and flight intention.
A permanent listening alert must be maintained throughout the entire stay in the zone. A report must also be made when leaving the RMZ/TMZ. If there is no response from the ground station, the flight may nevertheless continue as long as the listening watch is maintained.
Background to the measure
The temporary establishment of the RMZ/TMZ during the Oktoberfest is a safety-related measure that was planned in close cooperation with German Air Traffic Control and the local safety authorities. During the Oktoberfest, there is regularly an increased volume of aircraft in and around Munich, including private aircraft, helicopters and drones. The introduction of the RMZ/TMZ ensures that all aircraft movements in the region can be monitored and that communication between the aircraft and the relevant authorities functions smoothly.
Ensuring efficient and safe air traffic control is particularly important in the vicinity of large gatherings of people. This measure helps to minimise potential hazards and ensure the uninterrupted flow of air traffic during the festival period.
In conclusion, the temporary RMZ/TMZ is an essential safety measure that will help to ensure aviation safety during Oktoberfest 2024. Pilots and drone operators should be aware of these regulations and adjust their flight plans accordingly to avoid violations and ensure that everything runs smoothly.
Source references:
NFL (the link requires a subscription to Eisenschmidt)
