General regulations for restricted areas (ED-R)
General ban on flying - with exceptions
Areas with flight restrictions may not to be flown throughexcept under the following conditions:
✔ Explicit authorisation in the regulations
✔ Approval by the Federal Supervisory Authority for Air Navigation Services (BAF)
✔ Clearance by the responsible air traffic control centre
✔ Military aircraft with special authorisation
✔ Rescue flights by prior arrangement with the competent authority
Transit options for IFR and VFR flights
- IFR and VFR flights can be after prior approval through a restricted flight area by the responsible air traffic control centre.
- The prerequisite is that no dangerous activities take place in this area.
- VFR pilots must Permanent radio connection keep on the frequency of the responsible air traffic control centre in order to be informed of short-term changes.
Publication and changes to restricted flight areas
- Changes to the temporal effectiveness or the vertical boundaries are characterised by NOTAMs (Notice to Airmen) published.
- The ICAO airspace classification remains the same in principle, but special regulations may apply for certain user groups within the areas.
New and existing flight restriction areas (ED-R) in Germany
The new and updated flight restriction areas include numerous military training areas, test areas for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and protection areas for ground installations. Below is a selection of the most important ED-R areas:
1st ED-R 1 (Garching)
- Lateral boundaryCircle with 0.8 nm radius
- Lower limit: Earth surface
- Upper limit3,600 feet above sea level
- Temporal effectiveness24 hours a day, even on public holidays
- RemarkIFR flights are exempt from the restriction
2. ED-R 3 (Geesthacht/Krümmel)
- Lateral boundaryCircle with a radius of 1.1 nm
- Upper limit2,200 feet above sea level
- Temporal effectiveness24 hours a day, even on public holidays
- RemarkIFR flights are excluded
3. ED-R 4 (Wannsee)
- Lateral boundarySeveral defined coordinates with 2 nm radius
- Upper limit2,200 feet above sea level
- Temporal effectiveness24 hours a day
- RemarkIFR flights are still permitted
4. ED-R 5 (Biblis)
- Lateral boundaryCircle with 0.8 nm radius
- Upper limit2,300 feet above sea level
- Temporal effectiveness24 hours a day
- RemarkIFR flights excluded
5. ED-R 6 (Brokdorf)
- Lateral boundaryCircle with 0.8 nm radius
- Upper limit2,000 feet above sea level
- Temporal effectiveness24 hours a day
- RemarkIFR flights permitted
6. ED-R 7 (Brunsbüttel)
- Lateral boundaryCircle with 0.8 nm radius
- Upper limit2,000 feet above sea level
- Temporal effectiveness24 hours a day
7th ED-R 10 (Todendorf-Putlos)
The largest new flight restriction area with several Sectors:
- Sector A - E:
- Limitations between 3,000 and 40,000 feet above sea level
- Temporal effectiveness: Monday to Saturday - Extension at weekends if required
What does this mean for general aviation pilots?
1. careful flight planning is required
Pilots must ensure before each flight that the route does not cross any active flight restriction areas. These are NOTAMs and the Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) to be checked regularly.
2. VFR flights with radio communication
In some cases, VFR pilots can fly in restricted areas. fly through with prior clearancebut have to be on the remain ready to listen on the assigned frequencyto receive changes at short notice.
3. observe alternative routes
As some ED-R areas are active 24 hours a daypilots should Alternative flight routes prepare.
4. compliance with the ICAO airspace classification
The ICAO airspace classification remains in place, but special user groups - such as the military or UAS operations - are subject to special regulations.
Conclusion
Especially for Sport pilots, business pilots and flying schools it is crucial, regularly check the current regulations and NOTAMs.
Recommended measures for pilots:
✔ Check the current NOTAM situation before every flight
✔ Have the radio frequencies of the responsible air traffic control centre ready
✔ Prepare alternative routes to avoid ED-R areas
✔ Consult with DFS in case of uncertainties
The complete list of all affected areas and the exact coordinates can be found in the Announcement by the Federal Ministry for Digital and Economic Affairs and Transport and in the NOTAM publications of DFS German Air Navigation Services to find.
Source references:
NFL (the link requires a subscription to Eisenschmidt)