In this article, you will learn:
1. Where drone flights are permitted, restricted, or forbidden – from CTR to nature reserves.
2. When you need an ATC clearance and which distances (100 m / 1.5 km) apply.
3. What the 120m limit means and how to correctly check NOTAM/AIP and Geo Zones.
4. Why manufacturer's GEO blocks are technically effective, but legally not decisive – and how to still prepare legally compliant.
Special Airspaces (briefly explained)
Controlled Zones (CTR): Airspace around commercial airports with controlled traffic. Flights only with prior ATC clearance (e.g., CTR Frankfurt, Hamburg, Stuttgart).
ED-R (Restricted Areas): Flight restriction areas with special protection needs, often military/government-related. Generally forbidden, exceptions only with permission (e.g., ED-R 150 Ramstein, ED-R 401 Berlin).
TMZ / RMZ: In TMZ, a transponder is mandatory for manned traffic – UAS without a transponder are not allowed to enter. In RMZ, constant radio communication is required – without radio, the airspace remains off-limits.
EDD (Danger Areas): Areas with temporary hazards (shooting exercises, air shows). Flight only if the area is inactive according to NOTAM/AIP.
Protected Areas on the Ground
- Nature Reserves / National Parks: Take-off and flying are fundamentally forbidden; exceptions only with authority permission.
- Residential Areas & Crowds: Flying over uninvolved persons is forbidden; in residential areas, consent is often necessary, or local prohibitions apply.
- Airfields without CTR: Maintain at least 1.5 km distance, unless there is explicit coordination with the operator.
- Critical Infrastructure (e.g., substations, prisons, power plants, railway facilities): Maintain at least 100 m horizontal distance to the outer boundary.
- Police, Military, and Government Objects: Flight prohibition over the premises and at least 100 m distance; often additionally protected by ED-R.
- Flight Obstacles (masts, wind turbines): No general prohibition, but generous safety distances (e.g., laterally up to 50 m, 15 m above) are strongly recommended.
120m Limit, Geo Zones & Practical Check
Altitude Limit: In open operation, 120 m above ground level (AGL) is permitted. Beyond that, only with an exception or within the scope of STS/Specific after approval.
Manufacturer's GEO Zones (e.g., DJI): Software-based blocks can technically prevent flights, but are legally not binding. The only decisive factor is the state airspace data. Many GEO zones can be temporarily opened via manufacturer's unlocking – this does not replace a legal check.
Practical Check before Take-off
• Check official sources: NOTAM/AIP, DFS/Droniq, state portals.
• Clarify category & distances: CTR/ED-R/TMZ/RMZ, 100 m/1.5 km, 120 m AGL.
• Ground specifics: Nature Reserve/National Park, critical infrastructure, private property (consent).
• Technology & App: Remote ID active, firmware up-to-date, if necessary, apply for GEO unlocking in time.
Note: Legal responsibility always lies with the pilot. Plan flights with sufficient lead time and document your clearances.
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