What does "HX" mean?
The abbreviation "HX" indicates airspaces that are Temporarily effective are. Unlike permanently active sectors, they are activated dynamically - i.e. in line with the current operating situation. Switched on or off. The aim is to closely protect IFR approach and departure traffic without unnecessarily restricting VFR traffic at times of lower capacity utilisation.
In practice, this means
- Within one deactivated HX sector, the underlying standard rules apply (usually airspace E or G).
- If the sector activethe rules of the published airspace class (C or D) or the TMZ obligations apply.
- If no reliable information status is available, the HX airspace is as active to consider.
These locations are affected
The announcement lists seven locations with HX regulations:
- Leipzig/Halle - Airspace D (not CTR) "Leipzig West/East" and TMZ "Leipzig West/East"
- Berlin - Airspace C "Berlin West/East"
- Dresden - Airspace D (not CTR) and TMZ
- Hanover - TMZ
- Erfurt - TMZ
- Hamburg - Airspace C
- Friedrichshafen - TMZ
The other details - layout, lower altitude limits and transitions - can be found as usual in the AIP/ICAO charts and the DFS charts.
How activation works in day-to-day business
The HX sectors are used depending on the Service runway of the respective airports. This reduces unnecessary restrictions on the opposite side of the square.
Example Leipzig/Halle
- "Leipzig West" (D/ TMZ) is basically deactivatedwhen Piste 26 is in operation.
- "Leipzig East" (D/ TMZ) is basically deactivatedwhen Piste 08 is in operation.
- In exceptional cases, both subsectors can be temporarily active together be.
- Important: Outside the opening hours of Langen Information stay Airspace D (HX) and TMZ (HX) active.
Status enquiry and lead time
- Activation/deactivation is recognised as Continuous broadcast via VFR-ATIS announced (Leipzig: 134.460 MHz).
- Langen Information provides additional information (e.g. 119.825 MHz / 125.800 MHz).
- Status changes are indicated with At least 10 minutes lead time announced.
What happens if the status changes during the flight?
- Are you in the Airspace D (HX)you must on activation either Leave immediately or give yourself a Control release (Leipzig: 126.175 MHz - Munich Radar).
- TMZ (HX):
- Without transponder you have to use TMZ leavewhen it is activated.
- With transponder switch on the published TMZ code and listen constantly on the specified Radar frequency - or alternatively leaves TMZ.
Example Berlin
- "Berlin West" (C HX) is basically deactivated with service runway 24.
- "Berlin East" (C HX) is basically deactivated with service runway 06.
- Depending on the traffic situation, both sectors also jointly deactivated be; in exceptions also active at the same time.
- Status enquiry: VFR-ATIS 133.630 MHzSupplementary Langen Information (e.g. 132.650 MHz).
- Lead time: at least 10 minutes.
- Outside the opening hours of Langen Information, the entire airspace C (HX) active.
Briefly explained: Rules for the affected airspace classes
- Airspace C: IFR/IFR staggered; VFR only with clearance and radiotelephony; typical minimum weather conditions for VFR; transponder obligation according to AIP.
- Airspace D (not CTR): VFR entry subject to release with Two-way radiotelephonyTraffic information by ATC; IFR/IFR separation, IFR/VFR information.
- TMZ: Transponder obligation with published code and Readiness to listen on the assigned frequency ("Listening Watch"). Without a transponder No entry permitted as soon as TMZ active is.
Why flexibilisation makes sense
The HX logic reduces the "overblocking" of the lower airspace. If IFR traffic only uses one side of the aerodrome, the opposite direction often remains for VFR traffic. without additional approvals usable. The
- minimises detours,
- Reduces radio load and
- Reduces airspace violationsbecause the structure matches the actual operation more clearly.
At the same time, consistent status communication (VFR-ATIS plus FIS) increases the Predictability for GA crews and ensures that changes at short notice do not come as a surprise.
What pilots should do now
Before the start
- Check statusSwitch on the VFR ATIS of the respective region and Langen Information call.
- Planning alternatives: Set the route so that a spontaneous Status change does not lead to a dead end.
- Note codes & frequenciesTMZ code, relevant radar frequency and FIS frequency ready to hand on the kneeboard or in the EFB.
In the air
- Keep ready to listen on the frequency you used to query the status (VFR ATIS or FIS).
- On activation:
- D (HX): immediate Obtain approval or leave.
- TMZ (HX): Switch code and Monitoring frequency listen - or leave.
- If unclear: HX in principle as active and act accordingly.
Typical stumbling blocks - and how to avoid them
- Rely on app icons alone
Digital maps show HX sectors partly only as areas; the Actual status but comes via VFR-ATIS/FIS. Always actively query. - Frequency change without monitoring
If you change the frequency after the status enquiry, you may miss the 10-minute announcement the activation. If possible listen in. - Forgotten transponder
In activated TMZ is the published code Mandatory. Without a transponder, only the immediate excursion.
Classification for clubs and flight schools
Clubs in the catchment area of the named aerodromes benefit if the "away" side is open more frequently; aerodrome rounds and school flights can then be organised more easily. calmer plan. At the same time, the dynamic requires that Briefings and SOPs consistently on Status queries and Readiness to listen be aligned. The following are recommended Lamine cards with the local ATIS, FIS and radar frequencies including TMZ codes.
Conclusion
The new HX regulations bring More flexibility and fewer blanket restrictions - with clear obligations for radio discipline, transponder operation and status enquiries. Those who prepare frequencies and codes, keep an ear on the VFR ATIS and make conservative decisions when things are unclear will utilise the freedom safely and confidently.
Source references:
NFL (the link requires a subscription to Eisenschmidt)