Applying for a special permit for airspace use

If you would like to set off fireworks at an event such as a wedding, you may need a permit under aviation law and/or air traffic control clearance. The same applies to the ascent of drones, weather balloons or kites, as well as the operation of lasers and skybeamers.

Unmanned free balloons/weather balloons:

The operation of an unmanned free balloon/weather balloon always requires a permit.

Lasers, sky beamers and effect projectors:

Depending on their location, orientation and light intensity, permission under aviation law is required for the operation of effect spotlights and optical light signaling devices if these devices could dazzle aircraft pilots during flight. They are generally prohibited in the vicinity of airfields if they could interfere with flight operations at an airfield. Lasers and spotlights that are only used in rooms or if they are aligned flat to the ground and therefore do not radiate into the airspace can be operated without a permit under aviation law.

Uncontrolled self-propelled missiles:

These include model rockets, for example, but also other missiles that cannot be controlled in the air. This use of airspace always requires a permit.

Flying kites and gliders:

Permission is required to fly kites and hang gliders if they are held by a rope longer than 100 meters.

Ascent of fireworks: The ascent of fireworks of category 2 (in the period from 02.01. to 30.12.) as well as categories 3, 4, P2 and T2 or at a distance of less than 1.5 kilometers from the boundary of airfields requires permission from the state aviation authority. Category 2" includes fireworks that represent a minor hazard and are intended for use in demarcated outdoor areas. Irrespective of the distance to an airfield, the launching of fireworks requires a permit if they rise more than 300 meters. The written application can be made informally and should be submitted at least two weeks before the planned display. An exemption permit must be obtained in accordance with § 19 Para. 2 LuftVO or a permit in accordance with § 20 Para. 1 LuftVO, irrespective of the required notification obligation for commercial firework ascents in accordance with § 23 1st Ordinance to the Explosives Act (1st SprengV) or the obtaining of a corresponding exemption permit for private firework ascents of category F2 in accordance with § 24 1st SprengV.

The launching of sky lanterns is prohibited:

According to the "Ordnungsbehördliche Verordnung zur Verhütung von Gefahren durch unbemannte Fluglaternen (Fluglaternenverordnung)" of July 13, 2009, the launching of sky lanterns is prohibited in North Rhine-Westphalia for fire safety reasons. Sky lanterns are unmanned balloon-like flying objects in which the lift is generated by heating the air contained in the balloon body using a separate fire source with solid, liquid or gaseous fuels. A permit under aviation law cannot be issued due to the aforementioned prohibition.

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