Infringements of controlled airspace
What this relates to
All infringements of controlled airspace fall within the category of airspace infringements. This includes:
- Infringements of foreign airspace by an aircraft registered in Switzerland.
- Delta or Charlie class airspace infringements by any aircraft in airspace under the responsibility of Skyguide (including delegated airspace in Germany, France, Italy and/or Austria).
- Infringements of prohibited areas (LS-Rxx) according to the same principles.
An example
A pilot undertakes a pleasure flight with friends. While flying, he decides to change flight path. Accidentally and without having previously asked for permission, he ends up in the Meiringen controlled airspace. He notices his mistake and calls the tower. The tower gives him permission to fly through the zone.
Commentary on the 2023 figures
In 2023, 477 airspace infringements were recorded; in 2022, the number was similar (476). These figures have been climbing slowly over the years, despite the fact that more and more navigation aids such as GPS and mobile apps are available for use in general aviation. It is possible that these navigation aids give pilots a false sense of security and tempt them to fly as close as possible along airspace boundaries – or even, whether intentionally or not, to enter an airspace without authorisation for a small distance or period of time. The majority of violations did not result in dangerous encounters, and the effect on maintaining safety was minimal. Nevertheless, any unauthorised intrusion into an airspace reduces or nullifies the safety precautions and is to be avoided under all circumstances.
