GA Endorsed at German Airport

Opponents of development at Oberpfaffenhofen Airport, near Munich, Germany, were recently dealt a blow when a high court instead ruled in favor of increased general aviation activity. At issue were noise complaints from neighbors of the field, which has allowed general aviation traffic since 2008.

According to the new ruling, a maximum of 9,725 movements (aircraft arriving for maintenance or government service flights not included) by qualified business aircraft are now permitted per calendar year, with a maximum of 200 movements on Sundays and public holidays. Jets and turboprops operating on those days or on regular weekdays after 7 p.m. are required to adhere to Chapter 4 noise regulations; aircraft using the airport at all other times must comply at least with Chapter 3 noise standards.

The airport authority defines qualified business aviation traffic as takeoffs and landings under IFR by aircraft with a maximum takeoff weight of at least two tons and a maximum of 25 tons (as well as large-cabin types such as the Falcon 7X, Globals and G650) used for air-taxi, corporate or other non-airline flights. All arrivals and departures at the airport are subject to prior permission.