Objective of the new regulation
The definition of gliding sectors aims to enable safe and predictable gliding in airspaces that were previously only usable to a limited extent due to dense IFR traffic. Particularly in the vicinity of large commercial airports, glider pilots regularly come up against vertical or lateral limits that considerably restrict efficient cross-country or thermal flying.
A structured approach has been chosen with the new sectors: As soon as a gliding sector is active, the airspace in question is temporarily managed as airspace class E - supplemented by additional, specially defined rules. This means that the airspace remains controlled, but offers more operational freedom for visual flight traffic under clear conditions.
The legal basis for this is an announcement by the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport Affairs, which is based on the Air Traffic Regulations and at the same time replaces older regulations.
What does airspace class E mean in the gliding sector?
The reclassification to airspace class E means that flights can be conducted under visual flight rules without individual clearance from air traffic control, provided that the published conditions are complied with. IFR traffic remains permitted and is staggered by air traffic control, while VFR and glider flights must navigate independently.
In addition, special rules apply within the gliding sectors, which are defined in a separate notice on visual flights under special conditions. These concern, among other things, altitude limits, reporting obligations, technical equipment and rules of behaviour in heavy traffic.
Another important point of reference is the regulation on vertical distances between controlled flights and airspace boundaries, which continues to apply and remains particularly relevant for IFR traffic.
Where are new gliding sectors being created?
The new gliding sectors will be established in several class C and D airspaces (outside of control zones). This particularly affects regions around large commercial airports, where gliding was previously only possible to a very limited extent. Specifically, the new regulation covers the following areas:
- Dresden in airspace D (outside the control zone)
- Düsseldorf/Cologne-Bonn in airspace C
- Hamburg in airspace C
- Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden in airspace D (outside the control zone)
- Leipzig in airspace D (outside the control zone)
- Munich in airspace C
- Nuremberg in airspace D (outside the control zone)
- Stuttgart in airspace D (outside the control zone)
This opens up new opportunities for performance-oriented flights, particularly in regions with a high level of gliding activity, such as in southern Germany or in the vicinity of thermally favourable low mountain regions.
Activation and operational utilisation
Glider sectors are not permanently active. Their utilisation depends on the respective traffic situation and the operational requirements of air traffic control. Activation takes place according to defined procedures and is publicised via the usual information channels.
For pilots, this means that careful flight preparation is absolutely essential. In addition to the classic airspace analysis, the current status of the gliding sector, possible time restrictions and additional requirements must be checked. Increased attention to traffic information is also necessary, as IFR and VFR traffic can continue to take place in parallel.
Effects on gliding and general aviation
From the point of view of gliding, the new regulation represents an important step. It recognises the reality that high-performance gliding today often requires altitude ranges that were previously blocked by controlled airspaces. At the same time, it creates a legally secure basis for the temporary and regulated use of these airspaces.
For other VFR pilots, the introduction of gliding sectors means an additional facet of the airspace structure that must be taken into account in planning. Where glider sectors are active, increased visual flight traffic without radio contact with air traffic control is to be expected, which further increases the importance of airspace observation and collision avoidance.
Cancellation of existing regulations
When the new announcement comes into force, an earlier regulation on gliding sectors will be cancelled. The aim is to standardise and update the regulations and better adapt them to today's traffic density and operational reality. Implementation and operational support will continue to be the responsibility of the DFS German Air Navigation Services, which is also responsible for short-term adjustments.
Conclusion: More space, but also more responsibility
The introduction of new gliding sectors in class C and D airspaces marks an important step towards more differentiated and flexible airspace utilisation. Glider pilots gain additional opportunities to perform challenging flights, even in the vicinity of large commercial airports. At the same time, the requirements for planning, situational awareness and knowledge of the rules are increasing for everyone involved.
Those who use the new gliding sectors benefit from more freedom - but also bear more responsibility for safe and conflict-free flight operations in an increasingly complex airspace.
Source references:
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