NfL 2023-1-2726: Notice on radiotelephony procedures
Who already has the new NfL with the notice on radiotelephony procedures?
The NfL comprises 105 pages and the content is quite something. From what we have heard, many people are still unaware of the changes.
As we believe there are still questions regarding the interpretation, we are currently studying the content intensively and carrying out research. We will keep you up to date with any new findings. We will publish these on this page and on our social media channels.
The NfL is available for download so that you can form your own judgement.
This announcement was published on 8 February 2023 and came into force on the day after its publication. At the same time, the announcement on radiotelephony procedures dated 11 August 2021 (NfL 2021-1-2304) was cancelled.
Our findings / opinions:
- We currently assume that the version will be revised again, partly because it contains a few errors. See next point. However, as long as this has not happened, the contents as they appear in the NfL apply.
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In the radiotelephony examples, we have found deviations from the rule with regard to the pronunciation of numbers (under point 11, with reference to SERA). Here it is specified that the German pronunciation for the number ‘2’ is ‘ZWO’ in order to avoid confusion with the number ‘DREI’ (3). In the examples, however, the pronunciation ‘ZWEI’ appears incorrectly in a few places.
We assume that this is an error in the examples, as a change in pronunciation is not to be expected for security reasons. - The changes are a step towards ‘SERA’ to standardise the rules across EU borders.
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Uncontrolled aerodromes that do not offer an air traffic service by an air traffic controller will be identified by a change of the call sign ‘INFO’ to ‘RADIO’. The call sign ‘RADIO’ is to be used immediately, whereas the previous call sign ‘INFO’ will no longer be used.
- Die Grundlage hierfür stellt GM2 Article 3a(1) „Determination of the need for the provision of air traffic services“ zur Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/469 dar.
- This change is not yet included in the visual approach charts. However, what is written in the NfL is primarily valid. Sites with AFIS and FIS will retain the callsign ‘INFORMATION’.
- Not the callsign ‘TRAFFIC’ for ‘Flying without a flight controller’ was added.
- The BAF has announced the following additional transitional regulations: ‘An amendment to the certificate of the Federal Network Agency is not necessary due to the use of the new call sign RADIO instead of INFO. The call sign in the certificate will be adjusted in the event of a renewal or if other reasons arise that make it necessary to adjust the certificate. The new callsign must then be entered in the corresponding field in the application. Other call signs such as gliding remain valid and may continue to be used.’
- For a transitional period, a Germany-wide NOTAM (FIRs EDGG, EDWW, EDMM) was published on 28 February 2023 with general instructions that all INFO aerodromes must now be addressed as RADIO on the aeronautical radiod.
- The changes have not yet been revised for the GEN 3.11 part of the AIP VFR. What is in the NfL applies here first and foremost.
- A Supplement (SUP) to the AIP is to be published as soon as possible, containing a precise list of the aerodromes affected and the instruction to address them as RADIO. With the publication of this SUP, the previously mentioned NOTAM will be cancelled, as the information will be contained in the SUP in future.
- The necessary changes to the respective AIPs of the aerodromes will be implemented within several AIRAC cycles. The list of aerodromes in the SUP will be reduced accordingly over time.
- Aircraft types may again be placed in front of callsigns. This information can be very helpful to know what speed the other aircraft is travelling at or what type of aircraft to look out for. This also helps to differentiate between similar call signs and to categorise the aircraft, e.g. in the aerodrome circuit. The pilot can/should actively use this for differentiation and flight safety in uncontrolled areas.
- The radiotelephony examples listed in this NFL have been divided into two categories: ATC and FIS This is not a division into IFR flight and VFR flight, but only with regard to the ‘character’ of the ground radio station. This can be recognised in the column next to the radio message. This becomes clear in the regulations for the RMZ where no allocation has been made.
Helpful links on the topic
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