Regulations in German Airspace

Hang- and paraglider pilots compare themeselves with birds in the sky. Unfortunately, in contrast to the free flying, we have to accept some limits. Germany has one of the worldwide busiest airspaces in the world. The Traffic and the number of passengers are still rising rapidly, year after year. In addition to commercial air traffic there are military jets, gliders, private single engine machines, paragliders and hang gliders and ultralights. In comparison to other countries, we still have a number of freedoms: We can use the airspaces G + E equally like gliderpilots. 

Airspace G is uncontrolled (normally up to 760 m above ground level). VMC Minima: 1,5 km view in flight direction, clear of clouds.

Airspace E is controlled, but allowed for para- and hanggliders. Airspace E normally goes up to Flightlevel 100 (arround 3000 m) – above the German alps up to Flightlevel 130 (arround 3900 m). The distance to clouds: 300 m vertical, 1500 m horizontally. VMC Minima: 8 km view in flight direction.

For Airspace D, Restricted Areas (ED-R), C is a clearance necessary. Radio is obligatory in those airspaces.

Flying in clouds is not allowed.

Pilots have the obligation, to check the Airspace and to do a flight preparation before starting. More Information about the airspace can be found on maps of the German Flight and Safety Organisation (Deutsche Flugsicherung-DFS). Click here