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German Flying Rules

The DHV, the German Paragliding and Hang Gliding Federation, would like to welcome all foreign pilots to Germany!

Guest flying regulations and German flying rules

The DHV, the German Paragliding and Hanggliding Federation, would like to welcome pilots from abroad in Germany. There are more than 800 flying sites for paragliding and hang gliding here. Before flying at a new site, please contact the local club. If you would like to fly under the supervision of an instructor you can find a school.

The Official Guest Flying Regulations in Germany apply to pilots from abroad. These regulations recognize foreign licences if the pilot is staying in Germany temporarily.
The guest flying regulation does not apply to pilots who live permanently in Germany. They must obtain a German licence.

The guest flight regulation is generally not valid for passenger flights. Passenger flights with foreign tandem licences are not permitted by law in Germany. 

Regulations

Anyone who is a permanent resident abroad may fly in Germany in accordance with the guest flight regulations with their domestic licence in combination with the FAI level 4 or 5 IPPI card. An IPPI card is mandatory for all foreign pilots. Minimum ratings are stage 4 for unsupervised flying and stage 5 for cross-country flights. With lower stages, flying is allowed under the supervision of a German instructor.

Commercial flying with passengers is only allowed with tandem licences from Germany and Austria. Tandem licences from Swizerland and France are valid for occasional, private flights, not for commercial flights. No other tandem licences are valid. 

Visiting overseas pilots will need to carry proof of suitable third-party liability insurance cover in accordance with German regulations. Insurance coverage must be at least 750.000 SZR.

In Germany, all pilots must carry a reserve parachute. Guest pilots are permitted to fly equipment satisfying the current airworthiness requirements and regulations of their homeland. 

Paragliders and hang gliders are allowed to fly in the airspaces G and E. VFR according to SERA 5001.

Like in any other European countries according to SERA 3201, 3201, 3210.

German flying rules

Collision course above the slope

Collision course at the slope

Collision course in free airspace

Crossing course free airspace

General Rule: Keep Safe Distance

Landing

Launch

Overtaking: If possible to the right hand side

Thermal: First pilot defines circling-direction

Give way to pilots in thermals