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Surveying flights

during the night of 12 to 13 May

Published: 12 May 2025, 09:50

Special survey flights by German air traffic control (DFS) have been announced for the night of 12 to 13 May at BER. This is a drone measurement that is to be carried out every 180 days at BER to supplement flight measurements (ILS). Vertical ascents are performed with the drone approximately one kilometre before the thresholds of all the runways. The drone flies at a maximum height of 150 metres and the measurement per runway direction takes about 20 minutes.

During the survey flights, the instrument landing system (ILS) of the runway will be checked for accuracy and proper functioning. The ILS assists pilots in their daily flight operations by helping them navigate during the approach. This is mainly done by signal transmitters on the ground, which send information about the approach course and glide angle to the aircraft's cockpit during landing.

Nördliche Start- und Landebahn des BER

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 that the ILS be measured at regular intervals.

 

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