# ETAR - Ramstein Airbase # Overview Ramstein is a United States Air Force base near Kaiserslautern. It is the headquarters of the American Air Forces in Europe and Africa as well as the NATO Allied Air Command. It serves as a base for the 86th Airlift Wing and the 435th Air Ground Operations Wing, but regularly hosts aircraft of over 30 other squadrons. It is the most important American military installation in Europe. Most traffic at the airfield is of logistical and training nature, but it can also serve combat traffic like fighter jets.

Due to Ramstein being an American airfield, **controllers may use FAA procedures and phraseology** if they are familiar with them, but are not required to do so.

As Ramstein is a military airport, charts can't be found in the normal AIP. They are accessible through the GEMIL FLIP US DoD in the [milais](https://www.milais.org/publications.php "MILAIS Publications"). **Ramstein is an unrestricted airport**. The Ground position can be staffed by all controllers with an **S1** rating or higher. The Tower position can be staffed by all controllers with an **S2** rating or higher. The GCA position can be staffed by all controllers with an **S3** rating or higher. However, controllers should closely familiarize themselves with military procedures before staffing the airport. ### Ramstein ATC Stations
**Station** **Station ID** **Login** **Frequency** **Remarks** **Endorsement**
**ATIS** ATAR ETAR\_ATIS 127.185 -- --
**Ground** TARG ETAR\_GND 121.775 American procedures, military stationunrestricted: no course
**Tower** TART ETAR\_TWR 133.205 American procedures, military stationunrestricted: no course
**GCA** TARA ETAR\_APP 124.280 American procedures, military stationunrestricted: no course
### Quickview [![ETAR Tower Quicksheet.png](https://knowledgebase.vatsim-germany.org/uploads/images/gallery/2024-04/scaled-1680-/etar-tower-quicksheet-png.png)](https://dms.vatsim-germany.org/s/tqPimr3aR8y2XNm "ETAR Quicksheet (VATGER DMS)") *click on the image to open the printable quicksheet* # Ground Ramstein Ground is responsible for all enroute and startup clearances as well as ground movements at the airport with the exception of the taxiways between the runways. ### Enroute clearance ##### Clearance limit The **clearance limit for all IFR departures is the last waypoint of the SID** or first waypoint on the flight plan. Further enroute clearance will be given by the civilian radar controller in-flight. Thus, the phrase "flight planned route" shall not be used. ##### Departure frequency Pilots shall always be informed of the departure frequency during the enroute clearance. > **Ramstein Ground**: Giant 8119, cleared to LIMGO via TOLEY 2 departure, runway 26, climb to altitude 5000ft, departure frequency 124.280, squawk 2024, expect further clearance by Langen Radar. ##### SID assignment The **use of SIDs is mandatory** during all operations. Omnidirectional departures are not possible. ##### Radar pattern The radar pattern is **only available when Ramstein GCA is separately staffed** and requires approval by Ramstein GCA. The precise level clearance for the IFR pattern **must be coordinated with Ramstien GCA**. Tower shall be informed of any aircraft that has been cleared for a radar pattern, e.g. through a remark in the scratchpad. > **Clue 1**: Ramstein Ground, Clue 1, request clearance for radar patterns. **Ramstein Ground**: Clue 1, Ramstein Ground, standby. > > **TARG**: GCA, Ground. > **TARA**: Go ahead. > **TARG**: Clue 1, C-21, requesting radar patterns. > **TARA**: Approved at 5000ft. > **TARG**: Approved at 5000ft. > > **Ramstein Ground**: Clue 1, clearance available, report ready to copy. **Clue 1**: Ready to copy, Clue 1. > **Ramstein Ground**: Clue 1, cleared to Ramstein via radar vectors, climb to 5000ft, departure frequency 124.280, squawk 2024. > **Clue 1**: Cleared to Ramstein via vectors, climb to 5000ft, departure frequency 124.280, squawk 2024, Clue 1. ### Ground operations ##### Hot refueling Hot refueling takes place primarily on the HOT pads on Ramp 1. If all Ramp 1 HOT pads are in use, the Ramp 5 stands south of TWY F may also be used for hot refueling. ##### Arming/dearming Arming and dearming operations take place primarily on TWYs A and K. If there is no more space on either of these TWYs, TWY G Center will be used for arming and dearming. ##### Intersection departures Intersection departures are available for all aircraft from C and D during 22 operations and B and C during 04 operations. Pilots being given an intersection departure shall always be informed of the TORA for the intersection. All taxi clearances to intersections **must be approved by Ramstein Tower**. > **Ramstein Ground**: Clue 1, taxi to holding point runway 08, intersection Golf, via Golf, TORA 8852ft. # Tower Ramstein Tower is responsible for all traffic on the runways and within the CTR of the airport as well as taxiing traffic on the taxiways between the runways. ### General ##### Runway in use Ramstein generally operates using runway 08/26 for departures, arrivals, and pattern traffic while **runway 09/27 is used for taxiing**. The operating direction below 5kt tailwind shall always be 26/27. During a runway change, Ramstein Tower is responsible for informing both military and civilian radar controllers of the change. ##### Opposite direction operations Opposite direction operations are **only available on pilot request** and as long as no other traffic will experience delays. Opposite arrivals have to be approved by Ramstein Tower while opposite departures have to be approved by Ramstein GCA. > **TART**: GCA, Tower. > **TARA**: Go ahead. > **TART**: Request opposite direction departure, Giant 8119, Boeing 747-400, runway 08. > **TARA**: Opposite direction departure runway 08 approved. An **opposite arrival** must have touched down before an arrival to the current operating direction reaches 10 NM final. An **opposite departure** must be airborne and have turned away from the extended centerline before an arrival to the current operating direction reaches 10 NM final. If the opposite departure is operating under VFR, they **shall be explicitly instructed to turn right or left** as required when airborne. ##### Runway crossing Runway crossings are principally the responsibility of Ramstein Tower. However, after coordination, aircraft may remain on the Ground frequency for their runway crossing. Additionally, clearances to cross both runways are not possible. Before clearing an aircraft to cross the next runway, it must have fully cleared the previous one. ##### Low visibility operations Ramstein Airbase differentiates between CAT I, CAT II, and CAT III low visibility operations. **CAT I operations** are in effect when the ceiling is less than 800ft and/or the visibility is less than 2 SM (3200m). During CAT I operations, the critical area of the ILS has to be clear once an arriving aircraft is within 2 NM final. **CAT II operations** are in effect when the ceiling is less than 200ft, the visibility is less than 800, or the RVR is less than 550m. During CAT II operations, the activity of CAT II operations shall be broadcast in the ATIS and the critical area of the ILS has to be clear once an arriving aircraft is within 2 NM final. **CAT III operations** are in effect when the ceiling is less than 100ft or the RVR is less than 300m. During CAT III operations, the activity of CAT III operations shall be broadcast in the ATIS, spacing between two arrivals shall be no less than 10 NM, and departing traffic shall be rolling before the next arrival reaches 10 NM final. ### IFR traffic #### Departure procedures ##### Release & handoff A **departure release for all IFR departures** shall be obtained from Ramstein GCA. Departures shall be handed off to Ramstein GCA as soon as possible. #### Arrival procedures The primary approach procedure is the ILS. Other approach procedures must be explicitly requested by the pilot. Additionally, the Autobahn 6 visual approach to runway 26/27 is only available when Ramstein GCA is separately staffed. ##### Go around procedure If an aircraft **goes around further away from the runway than 6 NM final**, they shall be instructed to climb straight ahead to 5000ft and handed off to Ramstein GCA. If an aircraft **goes around within 6 NM final**, they shall be instructed to climb straight ahead to 5000ft and during 08/09 operations they shall additionally be informed of the minimum climb gradient of 250ft per NM. > **Clue 1**: Clue 1, going around. > **Ramstein Tower**: Clue 1, roger, fly runway heading, climb to 5000ft, climb gradient 250ft per mile.

When Ramstein GCA is not separately staffed, **pilots shall always be instructed to perform the published missed approach procedure**.

#### Radar pattern The radar pattern is always located North of the airport at an altitude of 4000ft or 5000ft AMSL. This pattern is **only available on explicit pilot request and when Ramstein GCA is separately staffed**. Ramstein Tower shall instruct the pilot to climb out straight ahead to the coordinated pattern altitude and initiate a **handoff to Ramstein GCA no later than 3 NM beyond the departure end** of the runway. Additionally, during 08/09 operations, pilots shall be informed of the minimum climb gradient of 250ft per NM. > **Ramstein Tower**: Clue 1, fly runway heading, climb to 5000ft, climb gradient 250ft per mile, wind 060 degrees, 9 knots, runway 08, cleared for takeoff. > **Clue 1**: Roger, runway heading to 5000ft, runway 26, cleared for takeoff, Clue 1. > **Ramstein Tower**: Clue 1, contact departure. ### VFR traffic #### Departure procedures ##### General Helicopter pilots are required to exit the CTR on one of the **published helicopter routes**, while other traffic has to exit the CTR via the VFR departure pattern. During **08/09 operations**, aircraft shall be instructed to continue on runway heading until passing 1.5 DME RMS and then turn right heading 170 or until passing 3 DME RMS and then turn left heading 360 until clear of the CTR depending on requested departure direction. During **26/27 operations**, aircraft shall be instructed to continue on runway heading until passing 2 DME RMS and then turn right heading 290 or 360 until clear of the CTR depending on requested departure direction. > **Ramstein Tower**: Clue 1, after departure continue on runway heading until passing 3 DME Ramstein, then turn left heading 360, report leaving class D airspace, wind 300 degrees, 4 knots, runway 26, cleared for takeoff. ##### Fighter jet departures Departing fighter jets have to exit the CTR via the VFR departure pattern as well but **shall be instructed to climb to 4000ft or above**. > **Ramstein Tower**: Clue 1, after departure continue on runway heading until passing 2 DME Ramstein, then turn right heading 290, climb to 4000ft or above, report leaving class D airspace, wind 060 degrees, 9 knots, runway 08, cleared for takeoff. #### Arrival procedures ##### General Arriving aircraft are required to contact Ramstein Tower prior to entering the CTR and obtain clearance for entry into the CTR. Helicopter pilots are required to enter the CTR on one of the **published helicopter routes**, while other traffic has to enter the CTR either from a cardinal direction or via the military reporting point. Additionally, all VFR traffic must be at 3000ft AMSL or below when entering the CTR While military entry point and initials are publicly available, **pilots should be expected to not be aware of them** and will most likely request entry via a cardinal direction. ##### Overhead approach Aircraft entering via PIVOT for an **overhead approach** will continue to WISKY or ECHO and shall be instructed to report WISKY/ECHO at 3000ft. The break-off always has to be right-hand at 2500ft. If necessary, Tower shall sequence traffic by instructing early or late breaks. > **Clue 1**: Clue 1, overhead PIVOT, 3000ft, for overhead pattern. **Ramstein Tower**: Clue 1, roger, report ECHO at 3000ft. > **Clue 1**: Wilco, Clue 1. > **Clue 1**: ECHO, 3000ft, Clue 1. > **Ramstein Tower**: Clue 1, break to the right at 2500ft, report base with intentions. > **Clue 1**: Breaking to the right at 2500ft, wilco, Clue 1. > **Clue 1**: Base, gear down, for full stop, Clue 1. > **Ramstein Tower**: Clue 1, wind 300 degrees, 4 knots, runway 26, cleared to land. > **Clue 1**: Runway 26, cleared to land, Clue 1.

Controllers are reminded that during an overhead approach, aircraft, especially fighter jets, will **fly at high speeds of up to 300 KIAS** until breaking off.

##### High speed downwind The high speed downwind is **only available on pilot request**. Pilots will enter via PIVOT and then proceed to WISKY (26/27 operations) or ECHO (08/09 operations) to cross both points at 3000ft and join the downwind from there. During 08/09 operations, only the Southern high speed downwind is available. When passing ECHO, pilots shall be instructed to turn to a suggested heading of 240 and descend to 2000ft to enter a right hand downwind. During 26/27 operations, aircraft entering the Northern high speed downwind shall be instructed to join a right hand downwind from WISKY and descend to 2000ft; aircraft entering the Southern high speed downwind shall be instructed to turn to a suggested heading of 110 and descend to 2000ft to enter a left hand downwind. > **Clue 1**: Clue 1, overhead PIVOT, 3000ft, for high speed downwind. **Ramstein Tower**: Clue 1, roger, report WISKY at 3000ft. > **Clue 1**: Wilco, Clue 1. > **Clue 1**: WISKY, 3000ft, Clue 1. > **Ramstein Tower**: Clue 1, turn left to suggested heading 110 to join downwind runway 26, descend to 2000ft, report base with intentions. > **Clue 1**: Heading 110 to join downwind runway 26, descending to 2000ft, wilco, Clue 1. > **Clue 1**: Base, gear down, for full stop, Clue 1. > **Ramstein Tower**: Clue 1, wind 300 degrees, 4 knots, runway 26, cleared to land. > **Clue 1**: Runway 26, cleared to land, Clue 1. #### Traffic pattern ##### Closed inside traffic pattern The standard inside traffic pattern, which is contained within the CTR, is always located North of the airport with a maximum altitude of 2000ft AMSL. Ramstein Tower shall always inform pilots of these restriction. Additionally, the inside pattern is **only available during 26/27 operations**. > **Ramstein Tower**: Clue 1, join right hand inside pattern runway 08, not above 2000ft, wind 060 degrees, 9 knots, runway 08, cleared for takeoff. ##### Closed outside traffic pattern The standard outside traffic pattern, during which the aircraft shortly leave the CTR, is always located North of the airport with a maximum altitude of 3000ft AMSL. Additionally, pilots in the outside pattern are required to route WISKY PIVOT ECHO during 08/09 operations and ECHO PIVOT WISKY during 26/27 operations. Ramstein Tower shall always inform pilots of these restriction and may **only use this pattern on explicit pilot request**. As this is the only pattern available during 08/09 operations, pilots requesting VFR patterns should be pointed towards the appropriate documentation for the outside pattern or, if Ramstein GCA is online, be recommended to opt for the radar pattern. > **Clue 1**: Ramstein Tower, Clue 1, at Golf South, request outside pattern, ready for departure. **Ramstein Tower**: Clue 1, join right hand outside pattern runway 08 via WISKY, PIVOT, and ECHO, at 3000ft, wind 060 degrees, 9 knots, runway 08, cleared for takeoff. #### Helicopter procedures Helicopters at Ramstein may be cleared for take-off and landing on either runway as well as any taxiway. Departure from or landing on the ramps is not possible. ##### Helicopter routes Helicopters can enter and exit the CTR via reporting points Olsbrucken, Glan Münchweiler, Miesau, and Linden. Ramstein Tower will instruct pilots depart/approach the airport via Mackenbach, Landstuhl West, or Kindsbach. The airport connection points and CTR entry/exit points shall be connected through the published routes. ##### Landstuhl Heliport (ETIP) Helicopters operating locally at Landstuhl Heliport at or below 100ft AGL (ca. 1200ft AMSL) are not required to contact Ramstein Tower. Departing traffic has to contact Ramstein Tower prior to departure for clearance to enter the CTR; however, their takeoff is on own discretion and they shall thus not be given a takeoff clearance. Likewise, arriving traffic shall not be given a landing clearance. ##### Landstuhl Hospital Helicopters operating locally at Landstuhl Hospital at or below 100ft AGL (ca. 1200ft AMSL) are not required to contact Ramstein Tower. Departing traffic has to contact Ramstein Tower prior to departure for clearance to enter the CTR; however, their takeoff is on own discretion and they shall thus not be given a takeoff clearance. After departure, helicopters shall be instructed to proceed to Landstuhl West and then to leave the CTR along the published helicopter routes Arriving traffic shall not be given a landing clearance as landings are on own discretion. When arriving from the North, these helicopters shall be routed to Landstuhl West and from there follow Autobahn 62 at or above 500ft AGL toward the hospital; when arriving from the South, they may enter the CTR along Autobahn 62 at or above 500ft AGL toward the hospital. > **Medevac 86**: Ramstein Tower, Medevac 86. > **Ramstein Tower**: Medevac 86, Ramstein Tower, go ahead. > **Medevac 86**: Medevac 86, 2 minutes North of Olsbrucken, destination Landstuhl Hospital. > **Ramstein Tower**: Medevac 86, enter class D via Olsbrucken, Mackenbach, Miesenbach, Landstuhl West, thereafter follow Autobahn 62 to Landstuhl hospital, not below 500ft AGL. > **Medevac 86**: Enter via Olsbrucken, Mackenbach, Miesenbach, Landstuhl, and Autobahn 62, not below 500ft AGL, Medevac 86. #### Reporting points There are thirteen reporting points around the Ramstein CTR, some of which are non-compulsory reporting points.
**Reporting point** **Location** **Remark**
**Olsbrucken**Olsbrücken villagehelicopters only CTR entry from/exit to the North
**Glan Münchweiler**Glan-Münchweiler villagehelicopters only CTR entry from/exit to the West
**Mackenbach**Mackenbach villagehelicopters only non-compulsory reporting point
**Miesenbach**Miesenbach villagehelicopters only non-compulsory reporting point
**Landstuhl West**highway intersection A6 and A62helicopters only non-compulsory reporting point
**Kindsbach**Kindsbach villagehelicopters only non-compulsory reporting point
**Miesau**Miesau villagehelicopters only CTR entry from/exit to the West
**Hauptstuhl** Hauptstuhl village helicopters only non-compulsory reporting point
**Hohenecken Lake** Gelterswoog lake helicopters only
**Linden** Linden village helicopters only CTR entry from/exit to the South and East
**PIVOT** Jettenbach quarry fixed wing only military reporting point CTR entry/exit
**WISKY** intersection B423 and A62 fixed wing only military reporting point
**ECHO** intersection L367 and B270 fixed wing only military reporting point
#### Other procedures ##### Low approaches with lined up traffic Low approaches may be authorized with traffic lined up on the runway. In these cases, Ramstein Tower shall instruct the approaching aircraft to overfly the runway not below 1300ft (light and medium traffic) or 1800ft (heavy traffic). ##### SVFR procedures SVFR is not approved for fixed wing aircraft. Rotary wing aircraft may be cleared for SVFR operations if they can remain clear of clouds. # Approach Ramstein GCA is responsible for all airborne traffic within the Ramstein approach sector.

Ramstein GCA shall **always inform the controller of EDGG sectors Pfalz and Neckar Low** when opening and closing the position.

### Airspace The airspace controlled by Ramstein GCA is class E which is lowered to 1000ft AGL in the majority of the area of responsibility with a small section of class E lowered to 1700ft AGL in the West. [![ETAR AoR.png](https://knowledgebase.vatsim-germany.org/uploads/images/gallery/2024-04/scaled-1680-/etar.png)](https://knowledgebase.vatsim-germany.org/uploads/images/gallery/2024-04/etar.png) ##### Airspace boundary Ramstein GCA may use the entire sector up until the border except for the border with Langen Radar sector Neckar Low to which half lateral separation shall be kept. Langen Radar sector Pfalz is responsible for maintaining full lateral and vertical separation to the sector border. ##### EDDR/EDRZ departures EDDR and EDRZ departures via TOMPI which climb at a very low rate may not clear the Ramstein approach sector. In these cases, Langen Radar will request an airspace crossing which shall be approved as soon as possible. ##### EDRZ arrivals During 21 operations at EDRZ, all IFR approaches will have to cross the Ramstein approach sector. In these cases, Langen Radar will request an airspace crossing which shall be approved as soon as possible. ### Departure procedures ##### Departure release When Ramstein Tower requests a departure release for an aircraft that will not remain in the local pattern, Ramstein GCA has to **obtain a further departure release for this aircraft from Langen Radar**. ##### Transfer to civilian ATC Handoffs for departures shall always take place **before the sector boundary or before reaching BOLKI or TOLEY**, whichever is earlier. ### Arrival procedures ##### Transfer from civilian ATC Handoffs for arrivals shall always be **coordinated individually** and then take place as agreed. Ramstein GCA should, whenever possible, approach civilian ATC with a proposal for the handoff ahead of time, but **usually a DCT to XIDOD** (26/27 operations)**, MAPIG** (08/09 operations)**, or RMS** (either direction) **at 5000ft with a full release is the best solution**. ### Radar pattern The radar pattern is always located North of the airport at an altitude of 4000ft or 5000ft AMSL and will be conducted entirely through radar vectors. This pattern is **only available on explicit pilot request and when Ramstein GCA is separately staffed**. Ramstein Tower will instruct the pilot to climb out straight ahead to the coordinated pattern altitude and initiate a handoff to Ramstein GCA within 3 NM of the departure end of the runway. Ramstein Ground will request approval for a radar pattern clearance from Ramstein GCA. During this coordination, Ramstein GCA shall assign the pattern altitude.