Drones, balloons & noise protection
On this page you will find important information on drone flights, balloon ascents and noise protection. Regulations within the control zone are explained and online applications are provided. The site offers concise answers to frequently asked questions about flight operations. A helpful service for anyone who lives or flies in the region.
Rules for balloons, drones & UAS, kite flying
Time and again, citizens contact us with a wide variety of concerns when it comes to events using airspace.
To make it easier for you to realise your plans, we provide you with an overview here of everything you need to consider and which contacts, permits or approvals you need from the authorities and air traffic control.
Drone note: What we can't do
Most drones/UAVs have the airspace structure etc. programmed into them, which means that they cannot take off or refuse to take off despite having been authorised by us. We have no influence on this! The drone pilot must request a corresponding activation licence from the manufacturer. We cannot do this.
Which airspace is affected?
You can enlarge the map, search for your location and call up details using the arrow at the top left.
Within the Hof control zone(CTR = controlled airspace) there is also an "inner UAS" area(no-fly zone) of 8 x 4 kilometres. In both areas, air traffic control clearances from the Hof aerodrome control centre (Hof Tower) are always required for projects within the scope of §21 LuftVO.
This does not affect any additional official authorisations (e.g. from the air traffic control office, the public order office, the police, etc.).
To ensure that you are on the safe side, we have listed the relevant application and contact options below.
Balloons in the CTR
Within the CTR Hof , the Hof Tower is responsible for the ascent of children's balloons.
Requirements:
- Application:YES, online here
- Approval: YES, approval will be given to the applicant by the pilot on duty in our tower by telephone at least 10 minutes before the scheduled time on the day of ascent.
Balloons outside CTR
Outside the CTR Hof, Deutsche Flugsicherung GmbH (DFS) is responsible:
Conditions:
- Application:YES online and
- Clearance: YES, if the ascent takes place outside control zones but more than 500 balloons are released at the same time.
Drones & UAS
Within the CTR Hof and 8×4 km no-fly zone, the Hof tower is responsible for UAS and drones.
Requirements:
- Application: YES, online here
- Clearance:YES, clearance will be issued by the controller on duty to the applicant by telephone at least 10 minutes before the scheduled time on the day of ascent.
Kite flying
The flying of kites/gliders at a distance of less than 1.5 km from the airfield boundary (fence) is forbidden!
Flying outside this area requires permission from the aviation authorities if the holding rope is longer than 100 metres.
For ropes longer than 100 metres, the rope must be marked with flags etc. during the day.
Noise complaints
Time and again, there are isolated cases of aircraft pilots allegedly flying too low over inhabited areas. Should this occur more frequently, noise protection would be affected accordingly.
Please do not direct any enquiries or reports regarding possible noise protection violations to the Hof Tower, but to the following authority responsible for us:
Luftamt Nordbayern
Telephone: +49 (0)911 52700-39
Fax: +49 (0)911 52700-51
E-mail: fluglaerm(at)reg-mfr.bayern.de
Noise telephone with voicemail: +49 (0)911 28500865
Mon - Fri: 07.00 - 20.00
Sat, Sun, Hol: 09.00 - 19.00
Other times: PPR
