A new approach to the integration of unmanned aerial vehicles
In recent years, the use of unmanned aerial vehicles has increased significantly - both in the commercial sector (inspections, surveying, BOS operations) and in research and test operations. At the same time, air traffic in Germany is concentrated in and around class D control zones, which are established around large and medium-sized commercial airports.
Drone operations are particularly sensitive in these areas, as IFR traffic is often conducted at low altitudes, approach and departure routes are tightly structured and airspace coordination is a top priority. The new regulation now provides legal and operational clarity.
Removal of UAS sectors from control zones - what does this mean?
The key message of the announcement:
Sectors in which special rules for drones apply are separated from certain areas of the control zones (airspace D). Within these sectors, the airspace, if activated, is generally treated as airspace G - regardless of whether it is geographically located within the control zone.
This means:
- No general ATC clearance required for UAS flights
- own sector-specific conditions apply
- Simplified use for authorised operators
These sectors are usually permanently active, unless they have to be temporarily deactivated for certain aerodrome situations.
How these sectors are defined
There are two types of determination:
1. nationwide by the Ministry of Transport
In this case, the sectors are published in the news for pilots. This form of publication is particularly relevant for aerodromes with extensive drone activities or specific operational requirements.
2. locally through operating agreements
Here, the responsible air navigation service provider (usually DFS or DFS Aviation Services) and the respective UAS user conclude a binding operational solution.
Such agreements are typical:
- Research facilities
- Universities
- Test areas
- Police or rescue service drone bases
- Operator of large-scale inspection missions
This flexible handling makes it possible to customise sectors precisely to the real needs on site.
Protection of IFR and VFR traffic
A central component of the new regulation is the obligation of the air navigation service provider to ensure that:
- IFR flights sufficient lateral and vertical Maintain distances to UAS sectors
- VFR flights do not penetrate these sectors
This makes it clear:
Although the UAS sector is legally treated as airspace G, it remains off-limits to manned traffic. Drone operations must be organised in such a way that there are no conflicts with VFR flights, and IFR flights are managed in such a way that they do not come too close to the new sectors.
The announcement explicitly refers to the parallel published regulation on vertical separation between IFR traffic and airspace boundaries, which will also apply from the end of 2025.
Why this innovation is relevant for aviation
1. growing drone utilisation requires new structures
Drones are increasingly being used for critical applications:
- Inspections of power lines and rails
- BOS operations
- Medical transport flights
- Multi-agency situation management
- Research missions
The previous „special licence operation“ is no longer sufficient for many of these professional operations. The new sectors create plannable, permanent structures.
2. relief for air traffic control
The integration of individual drone flights into control zones has so far generated considerable administrative effort. With separate sectors, this traffic can be organised separately.
3. more safety through clear spatial demarcation
UAS sectors unbundle the airspace: drones remain in defined areas, manned traffic outside. This reduces conflicts, especially at lower altitudes where IFR traffic is often conducted.
4. preparation for future U-Space structures
The EU regulations on U-Space will lead to largely automated drone corridors in the medium term. The sectors that have now been established are a precursor to such structures and enable the introduction of more digitalised and coordinated drone management.
Entry into force and practical effects
The new regulation comes into force on 27 November 2025 in force.
On this date, NfL 2025-1-3643 will be cancelled at the same time.
In practice, this means
- Flight schools should include the changes in their teaching material
- In future, VFR pilots must be aware that there are UAS sectors within control zones that they must avoid
- Drone operators receive simpler, clearly defined access options
- Air traffic controllers, FIS centres and ATC facilities must adapt their internal procedures
- the ICAO charts will show corresponding sector boundaries in future
Conclusion
With the introduction of UAS sectors within the control zones, Germany is introducing a modern instrument for the integration of unmanned aircraft. The clear separation of areas reduces conflicts between drone operations and manned traffic, increases transparency and creates the basis for more efficient airspace management in the future.
For general aviation, this means above all: more structure, more safety - and the need to familiarise oneself intensively with the new airspace elements.
Source references:
NFL (the link requires a subscription to Eisenschmidt)
