New temporary ED-R areas in Northern Germany
Pilots who regularly fly in northern Germany should take a close look at current NOTAMs and airspace depictions since mid-June. With the establishment of the two new restricted flight areas „ED-R Eickhofer Heide“ and „ED-R Siedener Moor“, another area has been created where air traffic is subject to significant temporary restrictions.
The two areas are located within the Bremen flight information region and have initially been established until 31 December 2026. However, unlike permanently published airspace restrictions, they are not permanently activated. Their actual use will only take place after prior announcement via NOTAM.
This creates the need for pilots to carefully check activation times before each flight.
Why airspace restrictions are established
Restricted airspace areas have been established instruments of air traffic management for many years. They are set up when certain activities require special protection from other air traffic or when safety interests necessitate them.
Typical examples include military exercises, air shows, aviation events, testing programmes, state visits, or operations requiring enhanced security.
The aim here is not to unnecessarily restrict air traffic, but to avoid conflicts between different airspace users and to ensure the highest level of safety.
Particularly during flight demonstrations or displays, aircraft may fly in regimes that deviate significantly from the usual procedures of regular air traffic. For this reason, the affected airspace is temporarily closed to other users.
An Overview of the Two New Areas
The larger of the two areas is designated „ED-R Eickhofer Heide“.
It extends from the ground up to 3,500 feet MSL and covers a comparatively extensive area in Northern Germany. Due to its vertical extent, it can be particularly relevant for VFR pilots travelling at typical cruising altitudes.
The second area, „ED-R Siedener Moor,“ extends from the ground up to 1,500 feet MSL and covers a smaller area. Although the altitude limit is lower, this area can also be significant, particularly for circuit traffic, training flights, and local VFR connections.
Both areas can be activated daily from sunrise to sunset.
Activation only by NOTAM
An important aspect for practice is the fact that the areas are not permanently active.
The publication expressly states that actual use will be announced in advance via NOTAM. For pilots, this means that the mere existence of the ED-Rs does not automatically lead to a closure.
The restrictions only become effective upon activation by a corresponding NOTAM.
This once again makes it clear how important a careful NOTAM check is before every flight. Modern flight planning software like SkyDemon, ForeFlight, Garmin Pilot, or other electronic flight bags usually displays such information automatically nowadays. Nevertheless, it remains the responsibility of the pilot in charge to check the information and include it in the flight plan.
Which flights are affected
During activation, extensive restrictions apply.
Fundamentally, all flights within the areas are prohibited. This applies to both manned aircraft, model aircraft and unmanned aircraft systems.
This means that not only powered aircraft and helicopters, but also drone operators, model aircraft flyers, and other airspace users fall under the regulation.
For general aviation, this means that active ED-R areas must generally be avoided, unless special permission has been granted.
Exceptions for specific operational flights
As with many flight restriction zones, exceptions also exist here.
The following may be exempt from the restrictions:
- Bundeswehr operational flights
- Police flights
- Rescue and disaster control operations
- Ambulance flights
- Flights by the German Federal Bureau of Aircraft Accident Investigation with unmanned aircraft systems
In addition, flight permits can be granted in individual cases by the relevant air traffic control unit.
Requests regarding this can be made directly via radio. However, whether permission is granted always depends on the current utilisation scenario and safety requirements.
Source references:
NFL
