We ask all pilots to also read the [General section](https://knowledgebase.vatsim-germany.org/books/airports-langen-fir-edgg/page/general-KrV "Pilotbriefing EDDK - 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 ATC will usually assign SIDs according to the table below, but deviations are possible. If the first waypoint of your flight plan is not listed here, **please check which AIRAC you are using** - if your AIRAC cycle is too outdated, it might take some time until the controllers can coordinate a solution for you.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 restrictions** for each of the available initial waypoints.| **Waypoint** | **31R** | **13L** | **Restrictions** |
| **COL** | B / R | F | only for **local IFR training** flights or to **destination EDDF** |
| **KUMIK** | B / R | F | |
| **NVO** | B / R | F | |
| **PODIP** | B / R | F | |
| **WYP** | B / R | F |
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 few minutes**. It is requested and approved separately from pushback.Pushback will not be issued by Delivery. **Startup approval is not a clearance for pushback!**
#### ACDM Procedures While the real Köln/Bonn does not employ ACDM procedures, on VATSIM they are sometimes necessary for efficient operations. This requires pilots to **comply with assigned ACDM times**. Please **set your TOBT** using the [vACDM pilot interface](https://app.vacdm.net/ "vACDM (VATSIM Germany)") to help the controllers with preplanning and reduce delays.When there is delay during periods of high traffic, it is **your responsibility to request startup during your TSAT window** - don't rely on ATC to call you!
If you are unfamiliar with ACDM procedures, **please read the [vACDM pilot guide](https://knowledgebase.vatsim-germany.org/books/vacdm/page/vacdm-pilot-guide "vACDM pilot guide")**.
### 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. ##### Colored lines pushback Aircraft parked at C- or D-stands with a maximum wingspan of 36 m can **expect a pushback clearance onto one of the [colored lines](https://knowledgebase.vatsim-germany.org/books/airports-langen-fir-edgg/page/general-KrV#bkmrk-colored-lines "Colored Lines")** instead of taxiway M or N. ### Taxi While Köln/Bonn'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**. ### Takeoff Only use the absolute minimum amount of time necessary on the runway before beginning your takeoff roll. Due to various dependencies to other runways, there might be **as little as 5 seconds for you to begin your takeoff roll** after receiving your clearance. If you take too long, **ATC will have to cancel your takeoff clearance** and potentially issue a go around for another aircraft. ##### Auto-handoff Köln/Bonn utilizes an auto-handoff procedure for departures where **Tower will not hand off outbounds to the approach controller**. The current departure frequency will always either be noted in the ATIS or part of your clearance.Contact the departure frequency **when passing 2000 ft** unless explicitly told to remain on Tower frequency.