Overview of the new TMZ areas and their regulations
The changes affect several regions, including Lower Rhine, Northwood, Nuremberg, Paderborn, Schleswig and Wittmund. Here are the most important details:
1st Lower Rhine
- Lateral limitation: The area comprises a complex structure along the German-Dutch border, with specific coordinates defining its extent.
- Height limit: From 1500 to 4500 feet above sea level, depending on the sector.
- Temporal effectiveness: 24 hours a day.
- Exceptions: Gliding flights can take place in defined sectors, such as "Sevelen", without transponder obligation if the activation has been announced via the frequency 126.150 MHz.
2. Nordholz
- Lateral limitation: Comprises large areas to the west and south of Nordholz airfield.
- Height limit: From 1000 to 5000 feet above sea level.
- Special features: The activation time is linked to the Nordholz control zone. Information is available via the frequencies 123.300 MHz and 131.255 MHz.
- Exceptions: Gliders without transponders are exempt from the transponder requirement if the Radio Mandatory Zone (RMZ) is observed.
3. nuremberg
- Lateral limitation: A large area around Nuremberg Airport with a radius of up to 27 nautical miles.
- Height limit: Flight level 75 to 100.
- Temporal effectiveness: 24 hours a day.
- Special sectors for gliding: Sectors "Feuerstein-West" and "Feuerstein-East" allow transponder-free operation if clearance has been granted by the Feuerstein flight control centre.
4. paderborn
- Lateral limitation: Reaches as far as the neighbouring areas of Paderborn-Lippstadt.
- Height limit: From 1900 to 4500 feet above sea level.
- Temporal effectiveness: 24 hours a day.
- Sectors for gliding: "Senne" and "Warstein" allow transponder-free operation under certain conditions.
5. Schleswig
- Lateral limitation: An extensive area around Schleswig airfield with specific sectors.
- Height limit: 1500 to 5000 feet above sea level.
- Temporal effectiveness: Linked to the activation time of the Schleswig control zone.
- Special regulations: Gliders are exempt from the transponder requirement if they comply with the requirements of the RMZ Schleswig.
6 Wittmund
- Lateral limitation: An area along the coast and around the Wittmund airbase.
- Height limit: 1200 to 5000 feet above sea level.
- Temporal effectiveness: Linked to the activation time of the Wittmund control zone.
- Special features: Information on the status of the TMZ is available via Wittmund Radar (131.015 MHz) and other frequencies.
Regulations for gliding operations
- Readiness to listen: Within activated sectors, constant listening is required on the frequency 126.150 MHz.
- Activation and deactivation: Activation is announced via a continuous radio programme; deactivation takes place with a lead time of 10 minutes.
- Duties: Glider pilots must leave activated sectors immediately after deactivation.
Objectives of the changes
- Increased security: The introduction and adaptation of the TMZ areas ensures that all flight movements can be better coordinated and monitored.
- Efficient operation: The flexible use of sectors for gliding enables optimised integration into general air traffic.
- Modern communication: The mandatory use of specific frequencies for information and coordination facilitates navigation and increases efficiency.
Legal remedies
A complaint against the regulations can be filed with the Berlin Administrative Court within one month of notification.
The new regulations mark an important step for the safety and efficiency of German air traffic and create a balance between the needs of commercial and sport aviation. Pilots and glider pilots are urged to familiarise themselves with the changes in good time to ensure a smooth transition.
Source references:
NFL (the link requires a subscription to Eisenschmidt)