Classification of the new regulation
Gliding sectors have been an integral part of German aviation for many years, especially in regions with high thermal conditions and in areas with intensive sporting use. Until now, however, such sectors were almost exclusively located in airspace E or below. With the new regulation, gliding sectors will also be formally defined in the upper airspace classes C and D for the first time, provided they are not part of a control zone.
This is the Federal Ministry's response to the needs of gliding organisations, which frequently reach high altitudes in powerful weather conditions and were previously limited by restrictive airspace structures.
Special features of the gliding sectors in C and D
Activation as required
The gliding sectors are not permanently open, but can be activated depending on weather conditions, competition or regional circumstances. This enables flexible utilisation without permanently restricting IFR traffic.
Fallback to airspace class E
If such a sector is active, airspace class E automatically applies in this area, supplemented by sector-specific special regulations. These may include, among other things
- Maximum utilisation heights
- Reporting obligations or frequency listening readiness
- Time restrictions
- Safety distances to IFR routes
- Specifications for tall ships or motorised gliders
This creates a legal space in which gliding can take place above the usual heights of airspace E with legal certainty.
Link to other announcements
The regulation is directly linked to two other current measures:
- the introduction of temporary VFR sectors in control zones
- the notice on vertical separation of controlled flights from airspace boundaries
This creates a coherent overall system that protects IFR traffic and at the same time creates space for VFR operations.
Operational significance for air traffic control
The new structure means for air traffic control:
- IFR traffic is routed around the active sectors with lateral and vertical spacing
- Gliders move in the activated sector in a legally clearly defined uncontrolled airspace
- Risk of airspace violations is reduced as clearances no longer have to be improvised
Especially on days with strong thermals or during gliding competitions, this system relieves the controllers considerably, as IFR flights can be routed around the sectors in a predictable manner.
Significance for gliding
Higher usable heights
Many gliding areas in Germany are located below IFR routes. With the new sectors, glider pilots can reach significantly higher flight altitudes in strong weather or wave conditions without having to negotiate clearances individually.
Improving the conditions of competition
Germany is an internationally important location for gliding competitions. Temporary gliding sectors enable large competition areas and high-performance cross-country flights - without disrupting regular air traffic.
Increased legal certainty
Gliding activities in upper airspace regions were previously often dependent on individual agreements. The new regulation creates clear procedures, publicises sector boundaries and enables binding briefings.
Effects for motorised and UL pilots
Other VFR pilots also benefit indirectly:
- In future, the ICAO chart will show more clearly when and where gliding sectors exist.
- VFR cross-country flights can be better planned as activation times are public.
- Flights in the vicinity of active sectors are made with clear expectations of IFR routes and traffic flows in the vicinity.
Motivation behind the reform
The introduction of the new gliding sectors follows several overarching objectives:
1. flexibilisation of the airspace
The rigid separation between IFR and VFR traffic is replaced by flexible structures that are only active when required.
2. modernisation of airspace management
Germany is thus following European developments that are focussing more strongly on dynamic airspace segments.
3. promotion of air sports
Gliding is a central pillar of general aviation. The new regulations strengthen its future viability.
4. relief for air traffic control
A clear set of rules means less spontaneous coordination and fewer potential airspace violations.
Entry into force and further steps
The regulation comes into force on 27 November 2025. At the same time, the previous NfL 2025-1-3645 is cancelled.
Until then:
- the gliding sectors published in the AIP and NfL
- ICAO charts updated
- Flight schools and clubs adapt their briefings
- DFS to implement internal procedures for IFR route optimisation
Conclusion
With the definition of new gliding sectors in airspaces C and D, Germany is taking an important step towards a more flexible and modern airspace system. Gliding will gain new freedom at altitudes that were previously almost unusable, and air traffic control will benefit from clear structures and relief.
The measure strengthens air sports and at the same time creates more safety in mixed airspace operations - an example of successful modernisation of general aviation.
Source references:
NFL (the link requires a subscription to Eisenschmidt)
