Low-flying - an intensively utilised part of military flight operations
Low-level flights are a central element of military training and mission preparation. Among other things, they are used for navigation, tactical flight preparation and the simulation of real operational environments. The new announcement defines low-altitude flights as VFR flights by military jet aircraft, transport aircraft and special aircraft below 1,500 feet above ground level.
In contrast to civil aviation, military low-altitude flights are usually not linked to fixed routes or altitudes. They take place throughout Germany, although certain areas are excluded or specially regulated. The relevant exceptions and routes are published in the military aviation manual MILAIP Germany.
Operating times - when military low-altitude flights take place
The regulation defines clear time windows in which low-level military flights may take place:
- Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 17:00 local time
Low-level military flights are generally permitted during this period. - Summer rest period for jets:
From the 1 May to 31 October jet-powered fighter aircraft between 12:30 and 13:30 do not perform a low-level flight.
Exceptions are possible during exercises or manoeuvres.
Special regulation for low flying areas 250 ft
Some defined areas may be used for particularly low altitude flights:
- Flying Mondays to Fridays 09:00-12:30 and 13:30-17:00
- however not after SS+30 (with reference to the sunset in Rostock-Laage)
- In these areas, fighter aircraft are authorised to 250 feet above ground sink for a maximum of 120 seconds at a time
These particularly low-altitude routes are used for intensive tactical training and are subject to strict geographical restrictions.
Minimum flight altitudes and special operational features
In the general low-altitude flight area of the Federal Republic of Germany, the minimum altitude for military low-altitude flights is 500 feet above ground.
This applies to:
- Fighter aircraft
- Transport machines
- Special aircraft
The particularly low 250-foot sections apply exclusively in the designated low-flying areas. Short-term, very low training phases can take place there, which are difficult for civilian pilots to predict.
Safety recommendations for civil aviation
As military low-altitude flights regularly reach close to typical VFR altitudes, the announcement provides specific recommendations for civil pilots to avoid conflicts.
1. cruising altitude if possible over 1,500 feet AGL Select
This is above the range in which military jets typically operate.
2. leave the high area as late as possible during approaches and departures
Especially for:
- Aerodromes without a control zone
- Gliding sites
- Take-off and landing areas for paragliders and hang gliders
the transition height to the square height should be kept as short as possible.
3. query status of active low-flying areas via FIS
The flight information service provides up-to-date information on activated low-flying sectors.
It is reached via the AIP frequencies of the respective region.
In some areas, the Frequency Monitoring Code (FMC) be utilised.
4. take particular care in regions with known military routes
Experience has shown that certain areas are affected more intensively, for example:
- the Eifel
- Parts of Lower Saxony
- the Alpine foothills
- the Bavarian Forest
There are regular low-level flights by military aircraft here.
Low-flying protection zones around aerodromes
To protect small aerodromes without a control zone, so-called Low-flying protection zones be set up. These serve to protect air traffic from jet-driven low-level flights.
Key features:
- Radius 2 NM around the aerodrome reference point
- Upper limit 1,500 feet above ground
- Military fighter aircraft are allowed to enter this zone only with consent of the local air traffic control
- Applies as a permanent, periodic or temporary zone
- Applies not for military helicopters or other non-jet-powered aircraft
These protection zones are particularly important for
- Heavily frequented glider airfields
- Flying schools
- UL aerodromes without compulsory air traffic controller
- Airfields in valleys or close to training areas
They increase planning reliability and significantly reduce risks in the aerodrome circuit.
Impact on general aviation
The new regulations have practical consequences for all VFR pilots:
- Better planning capability: Activation times and minimum heights are clearly defined.
- More security: Protection zones and recommended minimum heights reduce approach risks.
- Awareness of military activities: Particularly important for cross-country flights at low altitudes.
- More consideration needed: Especially in the low-altitude flight range below 1,500 feet, the responsibility shifts more to civilian pilots, as military flights can come fast, silently from behind and low.
At the same time, military low-altitude flight remains an integral part of national defence and training; the new announcement is therefore primarily aimed at transparency, safety and harmonisation between the two types of traffic.
Conclusion
With the new announcement, the Ministry of Transport is creating a clear and modern legal framework for low-level military flights in Germany. The regulations provide transparency, defined minimum altitudes, time limits and additional protection mechanisms for aerodromes.
For civilian pilots, this means above all: better planning, more safety - and the need to expand their own flight preparation to include information on low-altitude flight operations. The changes will help to make military and civilian activities in German airspace safer, easier to plan and conflict-free in future.
Source references:
NFL (the link requires a subscription to Eisenschmidt)
