# EDDL - Düsseldorf Airport # EDDL - Overview Düsseldorf is the largest airport in the federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia and the fourth largest airport in Germany. **All stations at Düsseldorf require a Tier 1 endorsement.** DEL and GND positions require the EDDL\_GNDDEL endorsement which can be acquired by all controllers with an **S1** rating or higher. TWR requires the EDDL\_TWR endorsement which can be acquired by all controllers with an **S2** rating or higher. All APP/DEP positions require the EDDL\_APP endorsement which can be acquired by all controllers with an **S3** rating or higher. **Training:** Controllers with the S1 rating can staff TWR positions during their training (active EDDL\_TWR solo endorsement required). Controllers with the S2 rating can staff APP/DEP positions during their training (active EDDL\_APP solo endorsement required). ### Düsseldorf ATC Stations
**Station** | **Station ID** | **Login** | **Frequency** | **Remarks** | **Endorsement** |
**ATIS** | ADL | EDDL\_ATIS | 123.780 | -- | -- |
**Delivery** | DLC | EDDL\_DEL | 121.780 | -- | Tier 1: [EDDL\_GNDDEL](https://core.vateud.net/my/endorsements "Your endorsements (VATEUD Core)") |
**East Ground** | DLGE | EDDL\_E\_GND | 121.605 | primary | Tier 1: [EDDL\_GNDDEL](https://core.vateud.net/my/endorsements "Your endorsements (VATEUD Core)") |
West Ground | DLGW | EDDL\_W\_GND | 121.680 | -- | Tier 1: [EDDL\_GNDDEL](https://core.vateud.net/my/endorsements "Your endorsements (VATEUD Core)") |
**Tower** | DLT | EDDL\_TWR | 118.305 | -- | Tier 1: [EDDL\_TWR](https://core.vateud.net/my/endorsements "Your endorsements (VATEUD Core)") |
**Approach** | DLA | EDDL\_APP | 128.555 | -- | Tier 1: [EDDL\_APP](https://core.vateud.net/my/endorsements "Your endorsements (VATEUD Core)") |
Arrival (Feeder) | DLAT | EDDL\_F\_APP | 128.655 | -- | Tier 1: [EDDL\_APP](https://core.vateud.net/my/endorsements "Your endorsements (VATEUD Core)") |
Sector Bottrop | BOT | EDDL\_BOT\_APP | 119.110 | covers DLD topdown | Tier 1: [EDDL\_APP](https://core.vateud.net/my/endorsements "Your endorsements (VATEUD Core)") |
Departure | DLD | EDDL\_DEP | 121.355 | airborne frequency if DLD, DLA, BOT, or PADH is staffed | Tier 1: [EDDL\_APP](https://core.vateud.net/my/endorsements "Your endorsements (VATEUD Core)") |
**Waypoint** | **Restriction** | **Climb** |
---|---|---|
**COL** *Cola* | -- | climb via |
**DODEN** | min. RFL 260 flights unable for climb restrictions (see charts) shall refile via KUMIK | climb via |
**GMH** *Germinghausen* | max. RFL 140 | climb |
**KUMIK** | min. RFL 150 | climb via |
**LMA** *Lima* | DEST EDLN only or local IFR flights | climb |
**MEVEL** | -- | **23 Ops:** climb via **05 Ops:** climb |
**MODRU** | min. RFL 210 | climb via |
**NETEX** | Only available at night between 2200LT and 0600LT and during weekends and holidays due to military airspace in the north of the EBBU FIR. Information about the activation of the military areas can be obtained from the EBBU controller. | **\#U, #K:** climb via **all other:** climb |
**NVO** *Nörvenich* | max. RFL 90 flights with RFL at or above FL100 shall refile via MODRU | climb |
**NUDGO** | max. RFL 240 | climb |
**SONEB** | -- | climb via |
Local departures need to be advised to contact **DLA** on 128.555 immediately after departure.
### Datalink Clearance (DCL/PDC) At Düsseldorf Airport we offer Datalink Clearance to the pilots via the **[Hoppie System](https://www.hoppie.nl/acars/ "Hoppie Datalink System")** and the Topsky Plugin. The airport code EDDL should be used (already preselected). An example of the DCL message the pilot will receive can be seen below. By default startup always needs to be approved separately.CLD 2042 220117 EDDL PDC 026 SAS461L CLRD TO EKCH OFF 23L VIA MEVEL3T CLIMB 5000 SQUAWK 2055 ADT MDI NEXT FREQ 121.780 ATIS H REPORT READY ON 121.780
### Startup When startup clearance cannot be given immediately or the pilot is not ready for startup within the next 5 minutes, the pilot needs to stay on Delivery frequency until they receive their startup clearance. **Runway Capacity: **To ensure smooth operations and an acceptable level of workload for following stations, **Delivery has to ensure an appropriate startup rate**. This can either be achieved by use of the **[vACDM plugin](https://knowledgebase.vatsim-germany.org/books/vacdm)**, or by adhering to a number of maximum startup clerances. **Maximum startups at the same time:** A maximum of **13** outbounds should have startup (incl. all further ground states) at the same time when **two runways** are used and only **10** startups when only **one runway** is used. Delivery should ensure that not too much outbounds in the same area receive startup at the same time. **Outbound Taxi Times:** The average time between startup approval and takeoff clearance is 10 - 15 minutes during 05 operations and 15 - 20 minutes during 23 operations. # EDDL - Ground Düsseldorf Ground is responsible for all ground movements at the airport and can be split into east and west ground. If more than one ground is staffed, Delivery needs to be staffed first. ### Area or Responsibility The area of responsibility for each ground can be seen on the image below. The handoff between both takes place at Checkpoint 1 (M) or Checkpoint 2 (T). > EWG1PM, hold short of Checkpoint 1, contact Ground on 121.605. [](https://knowledgebase.vatsim-germany.org/uploads/images/gallery/2024-11/eddl-aor-gnd.png)*Sector Split Düsseldorf Ground West and Ost* ### Parking Positions Parking positions are assigned automatically for all inbounds according real life conditions by the Groundradar Plugin. **Terminal A** is used by Lufthansa and Star Alliance Members for Schengen and Non-Schengen flights. **Terminal B** is only used for Schengen flights, while **Terminal C** is only used for Non-Schengen flights. V01 should not be used as parking position. The **A380** can only use Gate **C02A**. Stands V08B, V11B (and V38B if all other positions are occupied) are capable for the A388, but are not included in every scenery. ### Pushback All **Heavy** aircraft are not allowed to push into the "terminal bays". They always have to push on taxiway T or P4. In general only facings "north, south, west and east" are used. If traffic is instructed push on T or P4 this need to be specified with the clearence: "pushback approved onto P4, facing north". Conditional pushbacks are not allowed at Düsseldorf. **Only stands V61 - V72 and V75, V76 are taxi out positions. All other positions (incl. V73 and V74) require a pushback!**To enable an efficient traffic flow, pushback on Y, T, P4 and R instead into the "terminal bays" could be used for pushback for all medium aircraft as well.
### GA Apron **Inbound** traffic to the GA Apron always needs to enter the apron via **taxiway H**. **Outbounds** parked south of the gas station (in the middle of the apron) will exit the GA Apron via **taxiway H**, outbounds parking north via **taxiway G**. The GA Apron is limited to aircraft with a maximum wingspan of 29 m. ### Taxiway restrictions - **Taxiway P1 and L5:** while one of these taxiways is occupied by a B744/B777/A350, the other one is restricted to a maximum wingspan of 60.5 m (largest possible aircraft A330/A343). - **Taxiway M and** **T/T1 between P1 and L9:** while one of these taxiways is occupied by an A380, the other one is restricted to aircraft up to a maximum of A310/B757. Parrallel taxi is only possible for aircraft with a maximum wingspan of 65 m. - **Taxiway M and T at L3:** taxiing from taxiway M onto T, and vice versa, via L3, is restricted to maximum code C aircraft. - **Taxiway L1 and L2:** L2 is restricted to a maximum of code E aircraft, aswell as B777 and A346. Overtaking on L1 and L2 is only permitted for aircraft up to A330/A343 - **A380:** The A380 is limited to specific routings on the apron. All relevant restrictions, aswell as the A380 taxi routings, are avaliable as a Ground Radar Map (Functions -> Maps -> Restrictions). ### DE-ICING Areas During **23 operations** De-Icing **Area East** (V01 - V11B) is used and during **05 operations** De-Icing **Area West** (V61 - V72) is used. The detailed map is available as Ground Radar Map.\*\* DE-ICING Area - West \*\* [](https://knowledgebase.vatsim-germany.org/uploads/images/gallery/2024-11/eddl-da-west.png) **DP1** - max. Code E **DP2** - max. Code C **DP3** - max. Code F **DP4** - max. Code E | \*\* DE-ICING Area - East \*\* [](https://knowledgebase.vatsim-germany.org/uploads/images/gallery/2024-11/eddl-da-east.png) **DP1** - max. Code E **DP2** - max. Code E **DP3** - max. Code D **DP4** - max. Code C **V11B** - max. Code F |
It is **not** allowed to vacate/cross rwy 23L **via L7 and turn left on M**.
# EDDL - Tower **Düsseldorf Tower** is responsible for all runways and the control zone (CTR), as well as Taxiways in between the parallel runways. ### Control Zone D-CTR of Düsseldorf reaches up to 2500ft AMSL. For details see VFR charts. [](https://knowledgebase.vatsim-germany.org/uploads/images/gallery/2022-10/eddl-ctr.png)*Düsseldorf control zone (D-CTR) - © [openflightmaps.org](https://www.openflightmaps.org/)* Düsseldorf has three VFR mandatory reporting points (November, Sierra and Echo) that should be used for all VFR traffic leaving or entering the CTR. To the west, the Düsseldorf Tower Control Zone is directly adjacent to the Mönchengladbach CTR (EDLN), which extends from GND to 2000 ft AMSL with its own VFR reporting points. All VFR flights from one to the other CTR should be coordinated. C-Airspace is lowered to 2000 ft AMSL over the Mönchengladbach control zone. At the eastern border of the Dusseldorf control zone, the C airspace is lowered to 1500 ft AMSL due to the proximity to Essen-Mülheim Airport (EDLE). **VFR Traffic:** Northern traffic pattern is prefered for all VFR flights. Whenever possible VFR traffic should perform a long landing during 23 ops. **Helicopter:** Directly at the airport there is only one helipad in front of Hangar 10, in the far east, near the long-distance train station, which is used exclusively by the NRW police flight squadron (Hummel) and the federal police (Pirol). These helicopter are allowed to depart/land in front of the hangar and do not need to contact Delivery or Ground. All other helicopters need to use the runway for departure and landing. South of the control zone, approx. 3 NM north of SIERRA, is the Düsseldorf University Hospital (UKD). The rescue helicopter Christoph 9 (CHX9) is stationed close to the northern border, approx. 2.2 NM south-east of NOVEMBER, at the Berufsgenossenschaftliche Unfallklinik (BGU) Duisburg. Here, a request to fly through the tower control zone can often be expected during missions. Further information see [https://knowledgebase.vatsim-germany.org/books/practical-procedures/page/runway-change-guide](https://knowledgebase.vatsim-germany.org/books/practical-procedures/page/runway-change-guide). ### Runway Usage Düsseldorf Tower is responsible for the direction of operation. There is no preferred operating direction in Düsseldorf, so you should take a look at the META and TAF before making a decision so that you don't have to change runways at the traffic peak, especially during events. If a change is necessary, this should be coordinated with Approach in order to find a good time for the change. Primary only runway 23L/05R should be used for departures and landings. In high traffic situations runway 23R/05L should be used for landing and 23L/05R for departing traffic (VFR and IFR). **Heavy Traffic:** Runway **23R/05L** is **not** available for the A380! Inbounds always have to land on runway 23L/05R. If equested by the pilot, other heavy traffic (e.g. B747, A350 etc.) shall also be given the oppertunity to land on 23L/05R, even during high traffic volumes. ### Arriving Traffic **Missed Approach:** For all published approaches, missed approaches will be executed as published, unless otherwise agreed. In the event of a missed approach, the responsible radar station must be informed (via Topsky or verbally). Any deviating action must be agreed in advance with the relevant approach controllers, except for actions by the Tower to reestablish seperation. In this case, the approach controller shall be informed immediately. The handover takes place once seperation is established. The next departure requires a departure release. **Seperation:** Düsseldorf Tower is responsible for maintaining separation, if necessary by use of adequate means (e.g. speed control), of arriving traffic from transfer of communication until touchdown and during the initial part of a missed approach. **Swingover:** Visual swingover (visual approach) from runway 23R to 23L is possible when traffic permitts. Therefore the pilot has to have the runway 23L in sight, before beeing cleared for the visual approach. With the clearance for the visual approach the pilot has to be given a new instruction how to continue in case of a **missed approach**. Therefore, runway track and a climb to 4000ft shall be used. **Runway Crossing:** Traffic landing on 05L/23R will have to cross runway 05R/23L, before being handed over to ground. Traffic vacating 23R via K3 shall cross the runway into either L7 and L6, depending on their assigned Gate and shall be handed over to either east or west Ground. This will reduce congestion around the Checkpoints and avoid unnecessary frequency changes. It is not allowed to vacate rwy 23L via L7 and turn left on M. **Vacating RWY 05R:** Traffic vacating RWY 05R via L1, L3 or L4 (after landing or crossing) are instructed by Tower to turn right on M and to hold short of the next intersection. The handoff to Ground will take place thereafter. This will prevent traffic to stop in the intersection and blocking the runway during frequency change. Traffic vacating runway 05R (or 05L via K1) are not permitted to taxi into L2. ### Departing Traffic **Seperation & Spacing:** All departures must be separated by at least 3 NM or wake turbulence separation, whichever is greater. During 23 Operations, care should be taken not to send them out at exactly 3 NM. As not all of them start their turn at the same time, the radar separation can be undercut. Tower has to ensure initial separation between departures and between departures and missed approaches. If seperation has to be restablished, for example in case of missed approach on short final and departing traffic already being airborne, transfer of communication shall take place when Tower has ensured this separation. Therefore it can be necessary to instruct a pilot to "remain on tower frequency" after departure. Departures with the same SID need to be spaced by at least 5 NM at transfer of communication. **Transfer of Communication or "Auto Handoff":** Usually all departures on a SID have to contact Langen Radar according charts by it's own when passing 2.000ft AMSL. Departure frequency need to be published in the ATIS. **MODRU** **\#T** followed by the same SID requires 2 minutes seperation. **MODRU/NETEX #T** followed by **\#K** requires at least 4 minutes seperation due to the shorter routing. The other way around radar seperation is sufficient. Depending on the outbound sequence on taxiway M it might be usefull not to use #K SIDs. **Lineup:** Independant lineup is possible for all intersections **with traffic information** for the second departure. Intersection L2 should only be used if there is a real benefit for departures (see chapter ground). L2 is not available for lineup for A346, B744, B748, B777 and A388! **Special Lineup RWY 23L:** In case outbound traffic requires the maximum available runway length for runway 23L, the pilot can request a special lineup via L1 (see image below). This lineup will take longer as the usual one. [](https://knowledgebase.vatsim-germany.org/uploads/images/gallery/2023-01/special-lineup.png) ### Parallel Runway Operations and Runway Dependencies Due to the proximity, the parallel runways at Düsseldorf airport have to be considered as one runway in terms of runway separation. Treatment as one runway means that only one aircraft may use either runway at any time. This excludes taxiing, line-up instructions on the parallel runway and clearances to cross the parallel runway. For example, if there is approaching traffic on runway 23R, a take-off clearance on runway 23L can be given safely until the arriving traffic runway 23R is at approx. 3 NM (provided the departing traffic has already completed line-up). Depending on the approach speed, this 3 NM can also be undercut, but runway separation must be ensured at all times. This means that a previously departing aircraft must either have crossed the end of the runway or initiated a turn before the landing aircraft crossed the treshold on the parallel runway. The simultaneous use of both runways, e.g. for a northbound takeoff and a southbound takeoff, is never possible, regardless of aircraft type or flight rule! In the event of a missed approach, radar separation must be ensured between two IFR flights. At Düsseldorf, due to the proximity of the two runways, this requires active action by the tower controller, who must separate potential conflicts and coordinate them with the approach controller. The procedure **"not withholding takeoff or landing clearance"** can be applied, considering the parallel runways as one. With one exception: Since there are physically two runways and the rejected take-off does not have to be taken in to account, the landing clearance can already be given if the corresponding runway is clear. A take-off on the other runway must then be aborted if the runway separation can not be guaranteed. Since the runways in Düsseldorf are less than 760 m apart, **wake turbulence separation** must be ensured. ### Reduced Minimum Radar Separation Minimum separation of IFR flights approaching the parallel runway system (23L & 23R or 05L & 05R) can be reduced to 2.5 NM, according to AIP: > Reduced Minimum Radar Separation for Diagonal Staggered Approaches (Based on NfL I - 9/09) > > 1. The Minimum Radar Separation (MRS) for diagonal staggered approaches to parallel runways at Düsseldorf Airport is 2.5 NM between 10 NM and the touchdown point. > > 2. The reduced MRS will be applied to landing directions 05 and 23, provided > the following conditions are met: > \- Preceding and succeeding aircraft are approaching different parallel runways. > \- Both aircraft are established on the final approach track. *Quote from AIP Germany/AD 2 EDDL 1-23 (by the German Luftfahrt-Bundesamt), applicable on VATSIM.* ### Low Visibility Procedures LVO shall be announced in the ATIS (Code &lvp) and target spacing for arrivals shall be increased. Additionally, all traffic shall be told to hold at the CAT III holding points. RVR values will be given with the landing clearance and in the case of guided take-off (RVR ≤ 125m) with the take-off clearance. **Taxiway restrictions:** At runway visibiility ranges (RVR) less than 350 m, taxiway K and L5 between RWY 05R and taxiway M are closed. Additionally, it is not possible to vacate runway 05R via L8 and runway 23L via L3 with runway visual ranges of less than 350 m. Refer to this article for more information: [Low Visibility Operations (LVO)](https://knowledgebase.vatsim-germany.org/books/practical-procedures/page/low-visibility-operations-lvo). # EDDL - Approach Düsseldorf Approach is primarily responsible for all arrivals and departures at Düsseldorf Airport **EDDL** and Mönchengladbach Airport **EDLN**. If sector Bottrop (BOT) is not staffed separately, its tasks are also taken over by Arrival, which means that arrivals and departures to/from Niederrhein-Weeze **EDLV** and Geilenkirchen **ETNG** also are within the area of responsibility. ### Arrival Sector Overview The following two charts show the vertical and horizontal extent of the entire arrival and departure sector as well as the D-CTR and the lowered C airspace. In addition, the following neighbouring sectors border on Düsseldorf Arrival and the Bottrop sector: - **North**: Amsterdam Radar (EHAA\_CTR) - **East**: Langen Radar PADL (EDLP\_PAL\_APP) und HMM (EDDG\_HMM\_APP) - **South**: Köln Approach (EDDK\_APP) - **West**: Brussels Control (EBBU\_CTR)[](https://knowledgebase.vatsim-germany.org/uploads/images/gallery/2022-09/sops-edll-eddl-app-as.jpg) | [](https://knowledgebase.vatsim-germany.org/uploads/images/gallery/2022-09/9sKsops-edll-c-lr.jpg) |
*Sector Düsseldorf Arrival incl. Sector Bottrop* | *Airspace around Düsseldorf* |
[](https://knowledgebase.vatsim-germany.org/uploads/images/gallery/2022-09/eddl-dus-d-05.jpg) | [](https://knowledgebase.vatsim-germany.org/uploads/images/gallery/2022-09/eddl-dus-d-23.jpg) |
*Departure Sector 05 Operations* | *Departure Sector 23 Operations* |