Apply for permission to use airspace

You can apply to the local aviation authority for permission to use the airspace or an air traffic control clearance for the following aircraft:

• unmanned free balloons or weather balloons
• searchlights and optical light signaling devices such as laser devices
• uncontrolled, self-propelled flying objects such as model rockets
• kites and parasol kites
• Fireworks

Unmanned free balloons or weather balloons

If you want to fly an unmanned free balloon or weather balloon, you always need permission to use the airspace.

Searchlights and optical light signaling devices

Whether you require permission to operate searchlights and optical light signaling devices depends on the location, orientation and light intensity of your device. The approval of your application depends on whether your spotlight or laser could dazzle pilots during the flight.

If you only use your lasers and spotlights indoors or if they are aligned flat to the ground and therefore do not shine into the airspace, you do not need permission to use them.

Uncontrolled, self-propelled missiles

If you want to use uncontrolled, self-propelled flying objects, such as model rockets, you always need permission to use the airspace.

Kites and hang gliders

If you wish to fly a kite or hang glider with a rope longer than 100 meters, you must apply for a permit.

Fireworks

You need a permit if you want to set off the following fireworks:

• Category F2:
  • Small fireworks from 02.01. to 30.12.
• Category F3
  • Medium fireworks
• Category F4
  • Large fireworks
• Category T2
  • Technical fireworks for persons with a certificate of competence
• Category P2
  • other fireworks for persons aged 21 and over with the appropriate certificate of competence

If your firework rises more than 300 meters into the air, you must apply for a permit regardless of the category of your firework.

Fireworks in the vicinity of airfields

At a distance of less than 1500 meters from the perimeter of airfields, the following fireworks are generally prohibited:

• Kites and hang gliders
• children's balloons
• Fireworks
• Balloon-like luminous objects such as sky lanterns
• Spotlights and optical light signaling devices such as laser devices

You have the option of applying for an exemption from the responsible aviation authority.

The launching of sky lanterns is prohibited in Rhineland-Palatinate in accordance with the Hazard Prevention Ordinance for Sky Lanterns of August 31, 2009.