Drone Disruptions Persist in German Airspace
Once again, drones are causing headaches for air traffic control in Germany. As of November this year, the Deutsche Flugsicherung (DFS) has reported 147 close calls between unmanned flying objects and civilian aircraft or facilities. While the number fell during the early stages of the pandemic, it's once again hovering dangerously close to the records set in 2018 and 2022.
Out of these incidents, 81, or approximately half, occurred near major airports. Frankfurt and Leipzig-Halle were the most affected, each reporting 21 drone sightings. Berlin was close behind, with 14. December saw a slight dip in cases, but the year's peak still reached 158 in 2018.
The DFS warns that air traffic could be disrupted any time a drone is sighted, as both controllers and pilots may be distracted. In Germany, drone flights are forbidden within 1.5 kilometers of airport take-off and landing areas due to safety concerns. Violations are considered a dangerous interference in air traffic under criminal law, punishable by up to ten years in prison.
Further Insights
German authorities are taking action to combat the growing number of drone incidents.
- Identification tags: The Federal Aviation Office is experimenting with drones equipped with disability labels for easier identification in emergency situations.
- Stricter regulations: The German government is considering making drone registration and licensing mandatory for operators to enhance accountability.
- Reduced incidents during pandemic: The peak in drone incidents appeared to plateau during the early stages of the pandemic, possibly due to decreased recreational drone use.
- Enhanced detection: DFS is upgrading its drone detection systems and working with local authorities to increase drone awareness and enforcement.
While the details and specifics of each incident vary, the common thread connecting them all is the potential for disruption and danger. As drone technology continues to evolve, so too must our responses and strategies for ensuring safe and unhindered air travel.
