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CTR · CIVIL AIRPORT

Drone filming in the Maastricht Aachen CTR

South Limburg · EHBK · what it takes and how Skymotion handles it

Hills, the Maas valley, marl quarries and Maastricht's old town: South Limburg is the least Dutch-looking backdrop in the country — and popular for film and commercials. Around Beek lies the CTR of Maastricht Aachen Airport. Here too, new zones with less ATC obligation apply from 26 November 2026; close to the runway, radio contact remains required.

The Maastricht Aachen CTR covers South Limburg around Maastricht Aachen Airport in Beek, in the Maas valley between Maastricht and Sittard-Geleen. Exactly where the boundary and zones run differs per spot — we check that per location. Want to see where the CTR is yourself? It is on the GoDrone map ↗.

Airport
Maastricht Aachen Airport (Beek)
ICAO
EHBK
CTR type
Civil airport
Requests
Mission plan with LVNL — we file it
Radio contact
With the tower — from 26-11-2026 not in every zone
Airspace class
C
CTR vertical limits
Ground to 3,000 ft (± 900 m) above sea level
Hours
06:00–24:00; at night ATC by Dutch Mil on the same frequencies
Tower callsign
Beek Tower
Zoning 26-11-2026
Yes, new zones
The CTR on the map

How big the Maastricht Aachen CTR is

Drone zones from 26 Nov 2026CTR boundary only
  • Zone 1 Around the airport, 0–120 m: always in contact with air traffic control.
  • Zone 2A / 2B Ring of ± 2–5 km. 2A (0–45 m): no ATC needed. 2B (45–120 m): ATC needed, except within 30 m of buildings and obstacles.
  • Zone 3 Rest of the CTR, 0–120 m: no ATC needed.
  • Zone 4 Whole CTR above 120 m: ATC needed, except within 30 m of obstacles.
CTR boundaryHeight: Ground to 3,000 ft (± 900 m) above sea levelAirspace class: C
Indicative rendering based on the official boundary coordinates (AIP Nederland, AIRAC 10-2026). The drone zones apply from 26 November 2026 and are traced indicatively from the maps in the Dutch UAS zoning regulation (Stcrt. 2026, 33389), ± 100–200 m. Not for navigation: current boundaries and zones are in the AIP and on the GoDrone map ↗
Frequencies

Maastricht Aachen CTR radio frequencies

Note the callsign: Maastricht Aachen Airport's tower is 'Beek Tower' on the radio. The CTR crosses into Belgium and Germany; the map shows the Dutch part.

Tower119.480 MHzBeek TowerTap to copyApproach123.980 MHzBeek ApproachOn request also 120.205Tap to copyDelivery121.830 MHzBeek DeliveryTap to copyATIS124.580 MHzMaastricht InformationTap to copy
Always useful
  • 124.300 Amsterdam InformationFlight information outside CTR/TMA
  • 132.350 Dutch Mil InfoMilitary areas and backup
  • 121.500 Emergency (guard)Monitor in an emergency

Source: AIP Netherlands (AIRAC 10-2026). Frequencies can change with each AIRAC cycle; we check them before every flight. For drones, the approved mission plan always applies.

What it takes to fly in the Maastricht Aachen CTR

  • An operational authorisation in the Specific category from the Dutch ILT with the CTR privilege. Skymotion holds one.
  • A mission plan filed with LVNL. We file it 48 hours ahead; 24 hours ahead we learn which hours are approved.
  • On the day, two-way radio contact (RT) with the tower via a certified RT operator — except in the zones where this is no longer needed from 26 November 2026.
  • An approved plan is not a guarantee: the controller gives final permission at the time. So build a buffer into your shoot day.
  • Permission from the landowner or municipality where you take off and land, and a filming permit where needed.

How we handle it

  • We check the location first: which zone does the shot fall in, what is needed and is there an easier alternative nearby?
  • We file the mission plan and coordinate the shooting times.
  • Over roads and public space we only close off during the take, with traffic marshals; for take-off and landing we keep 25 metres clear.

New zones from 26 November 2026

From 26 November 2026, parts of the Maastricht Aachen CTR no longer require contact with air traffic control for Specific-category flights. Right around the runway and above 45 metres in the inner ring, radio contact remains required. Read all about the new CTR zoning →

ZoneHeight / positionFrom 26-11-2026
Zone 10–120 m · around the runway / airport groundsNothing changes: ATC/RT required.
Zone 2a0–45 m · inner ringSpecific-category flights without ATC.
Zone 2b45–120 m · inner ringMostly unchanged (ATC required), except a Specific flight within 30 m of buildings, structures or other obstacles: no ATC needed.
Zone 30–120 m · outer ringBoth Open and Specific without ATC.
Zone 4Above 120 m · upper CTR bandSame rule as 2b: ATC required, except Specific within 30 m of obstacles.

Frequently asked questions

Can you film with a drone in South Limburg?

Yes, with the right authorisation. In the Maastricht Aachen CTR you need a Specific-category authorisation with the CTR privilege, a filed mission plan and — in the zones where it is required — radio contact with the tower. Skymotion holds that authorisation and has a certified RT operator.

How far ahead should I plan a drone shoot in the Maastricht Aachen CTR?

We file the mission plan 48 hours ahead; 24 hours ahead we know which hours are approved. Plan earlier if you can, so location, closures and permits are sorted too.

Does anything change on 26 November 2026 in the Maastricht Aachen CTR?

Yes. In parts of this CTR, Specific-category flights no longer need contact with air traffic control: low (up to 45 m) in the inner ring, anywhere in the outer ring, and within 30 m of buildings. Close to the runway and higher up, RT remains required.

What frequency is the Maastricht Aachen CTR tower on?

Beek Tower on 119.480 MHz; also Beek Approach 123.980, Beek Delivery 121.830, Maastricht Information 124.580. CTR vertical limits: Ground to 3,000 ft (± 900 m) above sea level (airspace class C). Source: AIP Netherlands, AIRAC 10-2026. Which frequency applies on the day is set in the approved mission plan.

Can you check whether my location works?

Yes. Send the address or a pin, the date and the shot you want. We check which zone it falls in, what is needed and whether there is an easier alternative nearby.

Shooting in the Maastricht Aachen CTR?

Send your location, date and shot — we check what is needed.

Other CTRs

Pick another CTR on the map

Civil airportMilitary CTR

Click a dot for the rules and what is needed. The exact boundaries and zones of every CTR are on the GoDrone map ↗

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