I. General regulations for restricted flight areas
- Flight conditions
Restricted flight areas may not be flown through unless:- The restrictions explicitly allow this.
- General or individual authorisation has been granted by the Federal Supervisory Authority for Air Traffic Control (BAF) or the air traffic control unit.
- Military or rescue flights were coordinated and authorised accordingly.
- IFR and VFR flights
- IFR flights can be released during inactive activities in the area.
- VFR flights require a request and confirmation, whereby a permanent radio readiness for communication with air traffic control is mandatory.
- Announcement of changes
- Changes to time effectiveness or vertical limitations will be published by NOTAM (Notice to Airmen).
- Flight operations at aerodromes in restricted areas
- Local regulations for aerodromes, gliding sites or air sports equipment are agreed between the users and the responsible authorities.
- Coordinates and times
- Coordinates are based on the geodetic reference system WGS 84.
- Times are given in UTC, with references to Central European Summer Time (CEST).
- ICAO airspace classification
- Standard ICAO rules apply unless specific conditions for airspace users have been defined.
II. Overview of areas with flight restrictions
1st ED-R 1 (Garching)
- Scope: Radius of 0.8 nm around point 48°16'07″N 11°40'28″E.
- Height limit: Earth surface up to 3600 feet above sea level.
- Period: 24 hours a day, even on public holidays.
- Special feature: IFR flights are exempt from the restriction.
2. ED-R 3 (Geesthacht/Krümmel)
- Scope: Radius of 1.1 nm around point 53°24'25″N 10°25'10″E.
- Height limit: Earth surface up to 2200 feet above sea level.
- Period: 24 hours a day.
3. ED-R 4 (Wannsee)
- Scope: Sector with 2 nm radius around point 52°24'38″N 13°07'46″E.
- Height limit: Earth surface up to 2200 feet above sea level.
- Period: 24 hours a day.
4. ED-R 5 (Biblis)
- Scope: Radius of 0.8 nm around point 49°42'34″N 8°24'56″E.
- Height limit: Earth surface up to 2300 feet above sea level.
- Period: 24 hours a day.
5. ED-R 6 (Brokdorf)
- Scope: Radius of 0.8 nm around point 53°51'08″N 9°20'42″E.
- Height limit: Earth surface up to 2000 feet above sea level.
- Period: 24 hours a day.
6. ED-R 8 (Emsland)
- Scope: Radius of 0.8 nm around point 52°28'19″N 7°19'16″E.
- Height limit: Earth surface up to 2100 feet above sea level.
- Period: 24 hours a day.
III Special regulations for military exercises
ED-R 10 (Todendorf-Putlos)
- Sectors A to E: Different expansions with height limits from 3000 feet to 40000 feet above sea level.
- Period: Monday 07:00 UTC to Saturday 14:00 UTC.
- Extended activation times on weekends and public holidays will be announced by NOTAM.
IV. Effects and information for pilots
- Pilots operating in the vicinity of restricted flight areas should regularly inform themselves via NOTAMs and aeronautical radio about the activation of these areas.
- Exceptions apply for rescue and military flights, but only after prior coordination.
- The new regulations are intended to ensure a high level of safety, especially in areas with potential hazards such as shooting exercises, blasting or military manoeuvres.
These changes mark an important step towards improving air traffic control and safety standards. Pilots are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the new regulations before 20 March 2025.
Source references:
NFL (the link requires a subscription to Eisenschmidt)