Aerial view of the BER runways
Aerial view of the southern runway of BER

Surveying flights

during the night from 31 January to 1 February

Published: 24 January 2025, 12:30

German air traffic control (DFS) has announced that it will conduct aerial surveys during the night of 31 January to 1 February on the southern runway of BER. A relatively quiet, twin-engine, propeller-driven aircraft of the type Beechcraft Super King Air 350 will be used. During the survey flights, the aircraft will take off and land in a westerly direction, frequently flying over certain regions in succession and at low altitudes. Overflying of residential areas will be avoided as far as the prescribed flight profile allows.

During the survey flights, the instrument landing system (ILS) for the runway is checked for accuracy and to ensure that it is working properly. The ILS helps pilots navigate during the approach in day-to-day flight operations. This is mainly done by transmitters on the ground that send information about the approach path and glide angle to the cockpit of the aircraft during landing.

BER von oben

The specially equipped measuring aircraft checks the precision of the signals required for safe landings. As usual, the survey flights take place at night, as air traffic does not permit this during the day and the ILS cannot be used during the flight inspection. The flights are therefore generally exempt from night flight restrictions. The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) requires the ILS to be surveyed at regular intervals.

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