{"id":8439,"date":"2025-08-30T11:21:27","date_gmt":"2025-08-30T10:21:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pilot-hub.com\/?p=8439"},"modified":"2025-08-30T11:21:29","modified_gmt":"2025-08-30T10:21:29","slug":"nfl-2025-1-3584-hx-airspace-at-seven-airports-what-will-change-for-general-aviation-from-september-onwards","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pilot-hub.com\/en\/nfl-2025-1-3584-hx-luftraeume-an-sieben-flughaefen-was-sich-ab-september-fuer-die-allgemeine-luftfahrt-aendert\/","title":{"rendered":"NFL 2025-1-3584 - HX airspace at seven airports: what will change for general aviation from September"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What does \"HX\" mean?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The abbreviation \"HX\" indicates airspaces that are <strong>Temporarily effective<\/strong> are. Unlike permanently active sectors, they are activated dynamically - i.e. in line with the current operating situation. <strong>Switched on or off<\/strong>. The aim is to closely protect IFR approach and departure traffic without unnecessarily restricting VFR traffic at times of lower capacity utilisation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In practice, this means<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Within one <strong>deactivated<\/strong> HX sector, the underlying standard rules apply (usually airspace E or G).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If the sector <strong>active<\/strong>the rules of the published airspace class (C or D) or the TMZ obligations apply.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>If no reliable information<\/strong> status is available, the HX airspace is <strong>as active<\/strong> to consider.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">These locations are affected<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The announcement lists seven locations with HX regulations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Leipzig\/Halle<\/strong> - Airspace D (not CTR) \"Leipzig West\/East\" and TMZ \"Leipzig West\/East\"<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Berlin<\/strong> - Airspace C \"Berlin West\/East\"<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Dresden<\/strong> - Airspace D (not CTR) and TMZ<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Hanover<\/strong> - TMZ<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Erfurt<\/strong> - TMZ<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Hamburg<\/strong> - Airspace C<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Friedrichshafen<\/strong> - TMZ<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The other details - layout, lower altitude limits and transitions - can be found as usual in the AIP\/ICAO charts and the DFS charts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How activation works in day-to-day business<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The HX sectors are used depending on the <strong>Service runway<\/strong> of the respective airports. This reduces unnecessary restrictions on the opposite side of the square.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Example Leipzig\/Halle<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>\"Leipzig West\" (D\/ TMZ)<\/strong> is <strong>basically deactivated<\/strong>when <strong>Piste 26<\/strong> is in operation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>\"Leipzig East\" (D\/ TMZ)<\/strong> is <strong>basically deactivated<\/strong>when <strong>Piste 08<\/strong> is in operation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In exceptional cases, both subsectors can be <strong>temporarily active together<\/strong> be.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Important:<\/strong> Outside the opening hours of <strong>Langen Information<\/strong> stay <strong>Airspace D (HX) and TMZ (HX) active<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Status enquiry and lead time<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Activation\/deactivation is recognised as <strong>Continuous broadcast via VFR-ATIS<\/strong> announced (Leipzig: <strong>134.460 MHz<\/strong>).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Langen Information<\/strong> provides additional information (e.g. <strong>119.825 MHz \/ 125.800 MHz<\/strong>).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Status changes are indicated with <strong>At least 10 minutes lead time<\/strong> announced.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What happens if the status changes during the flight?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Are you in the <strong>Airspace D (HX)<\/strong>you must <strong>on activation<\/strong> either <strong>Leave immediately<\/strong> or give yourself a <strong>Control release<\/strong> (Leipzig: <strong>126.175 MHz - Munich Radar<\/strong>).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>TMZ (HX):<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Without transponder<\/strong> you have to use TMZ <strong>leave<\/strong>when it is activated.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>With transponder<\/strong> switch on the <strong>published TMZ code<\/strong> and listen <strong>constantly<\/strong> on the specified <strong>Radar frequency<\/strong> - or alternatively leaves TMZ.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Example Berlin<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>\"Berlin West\" (C HX)<\/strong> is <strong>basically deactivated<\/strong> with service runway <strong>24<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>\"Berlin East\" (C HX)<\/strong> is <strong>basically deactivated<\/strong> with service runway <strong>06<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Depending on the traffic situation, both sectors <strong>also jointly deactivated<\/strong> be; in exceptions also <strong>active at the same time<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Status enquiry:<\/strong> VFR-ATIS <strong>133.630 MHz<\/strong>Supplementary <strong>Langen Information<\/strong> (e.g. <strong>132.650 MHz<\/strong>).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Lead time:<\/strong> at least <strong>10 minutes<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Outside<\/strong> the opening hours of Langen Information, the <strong>entire airspace C (HX) active<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Briefly explained: Rules for the affected airspace classes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Airspace C:<\/strong> IFR\/IFR staggered; <strong>VFR only with clearance<\/strong> and radiotelephony; typical minimum weather conditions for VFR; transponder obligation according to AIP.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Airspace D (not CTR):<\/strong> VFR entry <strong>subject to release<\/strong> with <strong>Two-way radiotelephony<\/strong>Traffic information by ATC; IFR\/IFR separation, IFR\/VFR information.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>TMZ:<\/strong> <strong>Transponder obligation<\/strong> with <strong>published code<\/strong> and <strong>Readiness to listen<\/strong> on the assigned frequency (\"Listening Watch\"). Without a transponder <strong>No entry<\/strong> permitted as soon as TMZ <strong>active<\/strong> is.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why flexibilisation makes sense<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The HX logic reduces the \"overblocking\" of the lower airspace. If IFR traffic only uses one side of the aerodrome, the opposite direction often remains for VFR traffic. <strong>without additional approvals<\/strong> usable. The<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>minimises detours<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Reduces radio load<\/strong> and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Reduces airspace violations<\/strong>because the structure matches the actual operation more clearly.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At the same time, consistent status communication (VFR-ATIS plus FIS) increases the <strong>Predictability<\/strong> for GA crews and ensures that changes at short notice do not come as a surprise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What pilots should do now<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Before the start<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Check status<\/strong>Switch on the VFR ATIS of the respective region and <strong>Langen Information<\/strong> call.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Planning alternatives<\/strong>: Set the route so that a spontaneous <strong>Status change<\/strong> does not lead to a dead end.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Note codes &amp; frequencies<\/strong>TMZ code, relevant radar frequency and FIS frequency ready to hand on the kneeboard or in the EFB.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In the air<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Keep ready to listen<\/strong> on the frequency you used to query the status (VFR ATIS or FIS).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>On activation<\/strong>:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>D (HX):<\/strong> immediate <strong>Obtain approval<\/strong> or <strong>leave<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>TMZ (HX):<\/strong> <strong>Switch code<\/strong> and <strong>Monitoring frequency<\/strong> listen - or <strong>leave<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>If unclear<\/strong>: HX in principle <strong>as active<\/strong> and act accordingly.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Typical stumbling blocks - and how to avoid them<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Rely on app icons alone<\/strong><br>Digital maps show HX sectors partly only as areas; the <strong>Actual status<\/strong> but comes via <strong>VFR-ATIS\/FIS<\/strong>. Always actively query.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Frequency change without monitoring<\/strong><br>If you change the frequency after the status enquiry, you may miss the <strong>10-minute announcement<\/strong> the activation. If possible <strong>listen in<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Forgotten transponder<\/strong><br>In activated <strong>TMZ<\/strong> is the <strong>published code<\/strong> Mandatory. Without a transponder, only the <strong>immediate excursion<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Classification for clubs and flight schools<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Clubs in the catchment area of the named aerodromes benefit if the \"away\" side is open more frequently; aerodrome rounds and school flights can then be organised more easily. <strong>calmer<\/strong> plan. At the same time, the dynamic requires that <strong>Briefings<\/strong> and <strong>SOPs<\/strong> consistently on <strong>Status queries<\/strong> and <strong>Readiness to listen<\/strong> be aligned. The following are recommended <strong>Lamine cards<\/strong> with the local ATIS, FIS and radar frequencies including TMZ codes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The new HX regulations bring <strong>More flexibility<\/strong> and <strong>fewer blanket restrictions<\/strong> - with clear obligations for radio discipline, transponder operation and status enquiries. Those who prepare frequencies and codes, keep an ear on the VFR ATIS and make conservative decisions when things are unclear will utilise the freedom safely and confidently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-dots\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Source references:<\/strong><br><a href=\"https:\/\/www.eisenschmidt.aero\/nfl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">NFL (the link requires a subscription to Eisenschmidt)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>On 4 September 2025, DFS Deutsche Flugsicherung will convert several airspaces around major regional airports in Germany to a flexible \"HX\" regime. Class C and D areas (not CTR) and several transponder-mandatory zones (TMZ) will be affected. Depending on the operating runway, sub-sectors are temporarily activated or deactivated and announced via VFR ATIS or via Langen Information. This article explains what is behind \"HX\", which aerodromes are specifically affected, how activation works and what pilots need to bear in mind in their day-to-day operations.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":8440,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[21],"tags":[],"module":[],"class_list":["post-8439","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-nfl"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pilot-hub.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8439","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/pilot-hub.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/pilot-hub.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pilot-hub.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pilot-hub.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8439"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/pilot-hub.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8439\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8441,"href":"https:\/\/pilot-hub.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8439\/revisions\/8441"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pilot-hub.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8440"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pilot-hub.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8439"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pilot-hub.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8439"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pilot-hub.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8439"},{"taxonomy":"module","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pilot-hub.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/module?post=8439"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}