Skip to main content

Restricted Areas

Types of Restricted Areas

All aircraft operating in restricted airspace should be assigned a dedicated squawk (including formation elements).
An exception is ED-R 150 (Night Low-Flying System), which uses specific squawks for low-level flying (refer to transponder).
Upon entering restricted airspace, aircraft must autonomously or under instruction switch to the tactical frequency (e.g., TRAMON/GCI). If TRAMON/GCI is offline, entering aircraft should monitor the current frequency for traffic information.

ED-R (Restricted Area)

A permanently or temporarily restricted airspace that may only be entered with explicit permission.
Purpose: Protection of security-sensitive facilities, military exercises, major events, or state visits.
Example: ED-R 146 (Berlin) protects government buildings and diplomatic facilities.

ED-D (Danger Area)

An airspace where activities potentially hazardous to aircraft take place. Flight is not strictly prohibited, but caution is advised.
Purpose: Shooting exercises, missile tests, military operations.
Example: ED-D 19A is used for military training missions.: 

TRA (Temporary Reserved Airspace)

A flexibly activated airspace reserved for military exercises or special operations.
Purpose: Air combat exercises, aerial refueling, tactical maneuvers.
Example: TRA Lauter (in southern Germany).


Phraseology Examples

Clearance to operate in a TRA
G: [Call sign], IFR cancelled, approved to operate TRA [Name], FL100 up to FL300, report finished. Frequency change approved.
A: [Call sign], IFR cancelled, approved to operate TRA [Name], FL100 up to FL300, will report finished.
Clearance to operate in parts of a TRA

In this example, only parts of the area are used, such as BASIC1A and BASIC1B.
G: [Call sign], IFR cancelled, approved to operate TRA [Name] part [Parts of the TRA], FL100 up to FL300, report finished. Frequency change approved.
A: [Call sign], IFR cancelled, approved to operate TRA [Name] part [Parts of the TRA], FL100 up to FL300, will report finished.
Aerial refuelling within a TRA

See also Air to Air Refuelling
G: [Tanker call sign], cleared to operate TRA Allgäu Gretchen Anchor, on FL200. Report established.
A: [Tanker call sign], cleared to operate TRA Allgäu Gretchen Anchor, on FL200. Report established.
A: [Tanker call sign], established on Gretchen Anchor.
G: [Tanker call sign], report leaving, frequency change approved.
Entry into ED-R 150 (Night Low-Flying System)
G: [Call sign], Descend altitude (based on the current local QNH) ft (MVA), report cancelling IFR inside ED-R 150.
A: [Call sign] inside ED-R 150, cancelling IFR first portion."
G: [Call sign], IFR cancelled at (time), contact monitor on (frequency/channel).
AWACS Orbit
G: [Call sign], approved to operate Orbit NG81, FL300, counterclockwise, report finished. Frequency change approved.
A: [Call sign], approved to operate Orbit NG81, FL300, counterclockwise, will report finished.

Back to top