New regulations for special flight status (STS)
Special flights that require special treatment due to their urgency or government mandate can be marked with special status codes (STS) in the flight schedule. These include
- STS/SAR flights (search and rescue service): These operations have the highest priority and are automatically exempt from ATFM restrictions.
- STS/STATE flights: Military, customs or police aircraft, both civil and military registered, operating for government purposes. These are not automatically exempt from ATFM restrictions, but may be exempt under certain conditions.
- STS/ATFMX: Flights that have to be carried out under particularly urgent circumstances, such as acute danger to life (medical emergencies, transplant flights with living organs) or disaster relief.
In order to be able to use STS/ATFMX, pilots and flight planners must carry out an online reporting procedure via the AIS portal of Deutsche Flugsicherung (DFS). Alternatively, in exceptional cases, an e-mail can be sent to the Federal Supervisory Authority for Air Navigation Services (BAF).
New requirements for flight plans and aviation equipment
In addition to the status codes, there are new requirements for the entry of navigation and communication equipment in flight plans:
- RNAV and RNP specifications: The precise specification of navigation equipment (e.g. RNAV 10, RNAV 5 GNSS, RNP 4) is regulated in more detail.
- Radio and data communication: Aircraft must provide specific information about their communication capabilities, particularly with regard to CPDLC (Controller Pilot Data Link Communications).
- Monitoring systems: Information on transponders, ADS-B equipment and Mode S systems is now mandatory. Special codes for exemption authorisations (e.g. EUADSBX) are also required.
Procedure for flight plan submission and processing
Flight plans in Germany are submitted via the DFS central reporting centre. Various requirements must be observed:
- Time frame for submission: Flight plans must be submitted at least 60 minutes and no more than 120 hours before departure.
- Coordination with the IFPS (Integrated Initial Flight Plan Processing System): IFR flights within European airspace must be validated in advance by EUROCONTROL.
- Processing by ARO (Air Traffic Services Reporting Office): Flight plans can be submitted by telephone, fax or via the DFS AIS portal.
A key innovation concerns flights to and from busy airports. These require a "Airport Slot ID"which must be specified in the flight plan under the characteristic group "RMK/ASL". Without this entry, the flight plan may be rejected.
Extended requirements for emergency equipment
Aircraft must specify in their flight plans exactly what emergency and survival equipment is on board. This includes
- Life jackets: Indication of fluorescent or illuminated models.
- Inflatable boats: Number, load capacity and type.
- Emergency call signals: frequencies (e.g. 121.5 MHz) and automatic emergency transmitters (ELT).
This information is crucial for search and rescue operations and must be immediately available in emergency situations.
Conclusion
The new regulations in German and European airspace increase the safety and efficiency of general aviation. Emergency flights, rescue missions and government operations, for which new prioritisation mechanisms have been introduced, are particularly affected. Pilots and airlines must be prepared for more detailed flight planning and stricter requirements for on-board equipment. Those who do not adhere to these requirements risk delays or even having their flight plan cancelled.
Source references:
NFL (the link requires a subscription to Eisenschmidt)