On 27th of November, the Bundeswehr introduced new regulations for low-altitude flight exercises. The aim is to broaden the training framework for military flight drills. Across Germany, there are seven designated Low Flying Areas (LFAs) where military jets are permitted to fly as low as 75 meters. These zones had remained unused for many years, but the Ministry of Defense is now reopening them to enable crews to train under realistic conditions.
Threat to residents’ health?
The citizens’ initiative "Etz langt's" from Ansbach released a statement expressing their concerns about the new low-flying zone. It states that the "health and quality of life of hundreds of thousands of citizens" are endangered by the low-flying fighter jets. This primarily refers to the noise generated by the jets as they fly over the communities.
Fixed schedule and routes that change daily
How long the fighter jets will continue low-altitude flights over parts of Franconia remains uncertain. According to the Federal Armed Forces’ Aviation Office, the LFA areas are to remain "activated until further notice." Troops are permitted to conduct training flights on weekdays between 9:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. as well as between 1:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. A spokesperson for the Aviation Office emphasizes that the routes are planned to avoid cities, industrial facilities, and protected natural areas whenever the mission allows. "The routes change daily to distribute the noise burden," the statement adds.
Fighter Jets above Frankonia: Avoidance impossible
The burdens on citizens caused by military flight operations are acknowledged by all responsible parties. According to the spokesperson of the Aviation Authority, the Bundeswehr strives to minimize the negative impacts of military flights. However, this is only possible as long as it does not compromise the operational capability of the armed forces. A complete avoidance is unfortunately not feasible due to Germany’s population density.