Flugfreigaben

Flugfreigaben are official authorizations to conduct a flight, issued by the competent air traffic service provider or aviation authority. They regulate access to airspace, the chosen route, altitude, timing and other operational parameters to ensure safety and efficiency in airspace management. In practice, Freigaben cover the various stages of a flight and can be required for both routine and special operations.

There are several common forms of Flugfreigaben. A startfreigabe or take-off clearance authorizes the departure of an aircraft from an airport. A durchflugfreigabe, or en-route clearance, permits the aircraft to fly a specified route and altitude along its flight plan. A lande- oder anflugfreigabe provides permission to begin the approach and land at the destination. In addition, there are spezielle Freigaben for operations in restricted or temporarily unavailable airspace, or for unusual operations such as test flights or large-scale events. The exact terminology and issuing authority can vary by country.

Procedurally, a flight typically begins with the filing of a flight plan and the review of weather, NOTAMs and traffic. The controlling authority assesses safety and feasibility and then issues the appropriate Freigabe with precise instructions. The flight crew must adhere to these instructions and report any deviations or changes.

For unmanned aircraft, such as drones, Flugfreigaben may also be required for operations in controlled airspace, BVLOS or near airports. These permissions are granted by the national aviation authority or air navigation service provider after a risk assessment and coordination with ATC, and they complement operator registration and compliance with applicable rules.

Legal framework and standards for Flugfreigaben derive from national aviation law, European regulations and ICAO guidelines, aiming to prevent conflicts, manage air traffic and maintain safety across airspace.