Airspace type · CTR

Control Zone. A CTR protects controlled traffic around an aerodrome and is one of the first airspace types pilots check near departure and destination airports.

A CTR protects controlled traffic around an aerodrome and is one of the first airspace types pilots check near departure and destination airports.

What it looks like

Lateral. A polygonal or circular zone built around an aerodrome, typically 5–10 NM across.

Vertical. From surface (SFC) up to a defined upper limit — often FL065, or the base of the overlying TMA.

When it's active

Permanent during published operating hours; some part-time CTRs activate on request by NOTAM.

What VFR pilots should do

Two-way contact and clearance are required for VFR transit. Check ATIS and the tower frequency before entering.

Where you'll meet it

  • EHRD Rotterdam CTR
  • EBAW Antwerp CTR
  • LOWG Graz CTR

On NOTAMbriefing.com

Every European control zone is drawn from authoritative source data — Eurocontrol EAD for structure, the Network Manager B2B feeds for AUP/UUP, plus AIP and SUP for published schedules. Combined with Dynamic Airspace Mapping (DYNAM), you only see what's active today. What is DYNAM?

Related airspace types

See it live

See control zone on one live map.

Active zones highlighted, inactive ones faded — one glance tells you where you can fly. Free for every airspace user.