mikedlayer From United Kingdom, joined Apr 2004, 399 posts, RR: 0 Posted (11 months 1 week 2 days 18 hours ago) and read 9029 times:
Hi all,
I'm travelling to FRA for a spotting trip this weekend, and heard a few rumours floating around that airband scanners are highly illegal to possess and operate over there. This being my first trip I thought I would ask if anyone knows the definitive answer or has any experience with them over there?
I will mainly be on the observation deck which I understand you have to go through security screening to be allowed out there - obviously may not help matters if I have a radio scanner with me.
Burkhard From Germany, joined Nov 2006, 4248 posts, RR: 2 Reply 1, posted (11 months 4 days 5 hours ago) and read 8859 times:
Indeed, in Germany it is forbidden to listen to any communication that you are not an intended participant. So if you are practising for a pilot license, or in a flight school, you are intended audience, if not then you aren't. You can expect that police will take the receiver if you use it and you will be fined. Further away from the airport ( 5m out of the fence) I have seen many people to listen.
MHG From Germany, joined Dec 2004, 662 posts, RR: 1 Reply 2, posted (9 months 3 weeks 4 days 4 hours ago) and read 7404 times:
Well, the funny point is:
Possession of these scanners is not illegal - just using them if you´re not eligible is ...
So, even if passing through a security checkpoint that´s no issue.
As a personal note:
I don´t see a great risk if you use it discreetly (e.g. using an earplug) - and more importantly you do not disclose any transmissions to other people !
Still, I do not encourage you using an airband scanner in Germany - due to the legel issue.
If you do use one - remember you´re in sort of a "grey zone"