Inspecting construction sites, searching for missing persons, transporting blood supplies: Unmanned aircraft systems, or drones, can be used in almost unlimited ways, and the use of drones is growing. The objective of DFS is to support the future of these new airspace users while safeguarding our highest priority – the safety of air traffic.
The Digital Platform for Unmanned Aviation (dipul), which DFS developed for the German Federal Ministry of Transport, compiles all relevant information and rules for unmanned aviation under the German Aviation Regulation.
For private drone pilots, DFS has developed an app for our subsidiary Droniq. An interactive map shows users where they are allowed to fly and what they need to be aware of. The app is free of charge to use.
In our FAQ list we have compiled answers to frequently asked questions for you.
As airspace users, pilots work with checklists at every stage of flight to ensure that everything is ready and in place for a safe flight. Are you a drone pilot? Then you, too, count as an airspace user. You can find the most important information needed for a safe drone flight here.
When drones get too close to aircraft, they pose a danger to manned aircraft. That is why particularly strict rules apply around airports. Are you planning a drone flight in the vicinity of an airport? You can find out here who you need to ask for permission – and what else there is to bear in mind.
Especially for commercial use, it is important to be able to operate drones beyond the visual line of sight of pilots. We have created the conditions to enable this. DFS has developed a market-ready UAS traffic management (UTM) system. We offer our UTM system through our subsidiary Droniq, a joint venture between DFS and Deutsche Telekom.
The unauthorised use of drones in the vicinity of airports poses a danger to air traffic. The number of incidents in which unmanned aircraft systems, as drones are officially called, have disrupted air traffic at airports has been increasing. DFS is working with airports and the security authorities to find solutions to counter this growing threat.
Drone sightings near airports or in control zones should be reported immediately to the police (110) or the respective airport security centre.
