We ask all pilots to also read the [General section](https://knowledgebase.vatsim-germany.org/books/airports-langen-fir-edgg/page/general-VGN "EDLV Pilotbriefing General") with **information relevant to all pilots**.
### Preparation A thorough preparation is important for any flight. We ask you to **conduct a thorough briefing to avoid delays and keep it fun for everyone**. ##### Route planning You can find valid routes for many destinations in the [AeroNav Global Route Database](https://grd.aero-nav.com/ "Global Route Database (AeroNav Association)"). When planning a route via SimBrief, please use routes with the Eurocontrol icon, as those will generally be valid. [](https://knowledgebase.vatsim-germany.org/uploads/images/gallery/2023-04/eurocontrol-simbrief.jpg)When filing an invalid flight plan, you will usually have to **file a completely new flight plan** before ATC can issue your enroute clearance.
##### SID assignment If there is no SID leading to the first waypoint of your flight plan, **please check which AIRAC you are using** - if your AIRAC cycle is too outdated, it might take some time until the controllers can coordinate a solution for you. Please also make sure you are **complying with the following restrictions** that exist for some of these waypoints.| **Waypoint** | **Restrictions** |
| **SONEB** | only for flights with requested **min. FL140** |
Requesting clearance electronically is **preferred over voice clearances** as it reduces frequency congestion thus avoiding delays. Because of this, we ask all pilots able to use the Hoppie ACARS system to do so.
### Startup Startup approval is the "go" from the controller's side to start your engines. It is also an **assurance that you will be cleared to start moving within the next 20 minutes**. It can be requested and approved together with pushback. ### Pushback Only request pushback if you are actually ready to start pushing back. If you take longer than **1 - 2 minutes to start moving**, ATC might have to cancel your pushback clearance to avoid delays for other pilots. Keep in mind that some all positions on Niederrhein's apron except for stands 1 thru 9 are **taxi-out stands**. If you are parked on one of these taxi-out stands, you won't need a pushback.If you are unsure about your pushback instruction or unable to comply for any reason, **hold position and inform ATC immediately**.
### Taxi While Niederrhein's layout is relatively simple, it is still important to conduct a **thorough briefing of expected taxi routes** as well as **correct taxiing**. To avoid delays for yourself and other users, **start taxiing as soon as possible after receiving your taxi clearance** and **request taxi in a timely manner after your pushback**.If you are unsure about your taxi instructions, **hold position and inform ATC immediately**.
### Takeoff Niederrhein has only one runway which needs to be used for both departures and arrivals. While there is usually not too much other traffic, it is still important to **begin your takeoff roll as soon as you receive your clearance** and be prepared for immediate takeoff clearances. If you take too long, **ATC might have to cancel your takeoff clearance** and issue a go around for an arriving aircraft.Intersection departures are not possible at Niederrhein. **All aircraft have to depart from full length**.
##### Auto-handoff Niederrhein utilizes an auto-handoff procedure for IFR departures where **Tower will not hand off outbounds to the approach controller**. The current airborne frequency will always be noted in the ATIS.Contact the airborne frequency **immediately when airborne** unless explicitly told to remain on Tower frequency.