What it looks like
Lateral. A stepped polygon wrapped around one or more terminal airports, often extending well beyond the CTR below.
Vertical. Layered from a lower step (typically 1000–2500 ft AGL) up to FL195 or a local upper limit.
When it's active
Permanent — the structure does not change, but classification of individual steps may vary.
What VFR pilots should do
Transit usually requires controller clearance. Most TMAs publish VFR routes and reporting points worth filing before flight.
Where you'll meet it
- London TMA
- Paris TMA
- Frankfurt TMA
On NOTAMbriefing.com
Every European terminal maneuvering area 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
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. ATZ Aerodrome Traffic Zone An ATZ marks protected traffic around an aerodrome and is especially relevant for local arrivals, departures, and nearby VFR routing. R Restricted Area A restricted area may limit entry during active periods.