EDDL - Tower

Düsseldorf Tower is responsible for the runway system and traffic within the Düsseldorf CTR.

Runway Usage

Düsseldorf Aerodrome has 2 main operating modes:

Single Runway Operations:

During single runway operations, the southern runway is used for all departures and arrivals, with the exception that VFR aircraft inside the traffic circuit can be allowed to use the northern runway to allow a more efficient flow between IFR flights and VFR traffic. During brief periods of higher simultaneous inbound and outbound traffic, it may be necessary to coordinate target spacing on final approach with Feeder. Standard spacing of 5.5-6.0nm is typically used, though this may be adjusted based on the specific traffic situation.

Parallel Runway Operations

During parallel runway operations, the southern runway is used for departures, while the northern runway is used for all arrivals. This configuration should be used when traffic volume exceeds (or will exceed) the capacity of single runway operations, as it allows for tighter inbound spacing and increased overall throughput. The A380 shall not use the northern runway and will always land on the southern runway without requiring prior coordination.

Parallel Runway Dependencies

The parallel runway system cannot be used for independent parallel approaches or independent parallel departures. 

Dependent parallel operations may be conducted when arrivals use the northern runway and departures use the southern runway, with the exception of runway 23L departures utilizing early right-turning SIDs (SONEBxT, MEVELxT, NETEXxT, and LMAxT departures). Controllers may issue takeoff clearances without waiting for landing completion on the parallel runway, provided the controller has both aircraft in sight and no increased probability of missed approaches or track deviations exists. 

During reduced visibility when visual contact cannot be maintained, the parallel runways must be treated as a single runway system, meaning a previously departing aircraft must have either overflown the end of the runway or initiated a turn before the landing aircraft crosses the threshold on the parallel runway.

Since the runways in Düsseldorf are less than 760 m apart, wake turbulence separation must be ensured at all times.

Visual Swingover

When traffic conditions allow, aircraft may be cleared for a visual swingover from runway 23R to runway 23L. Prior to issuing the visual approach clearance, pilots must report runway 23L in sight. Along with the visual approach clearance, controllers shall provide missed approach instructions, typically consisting of runway track and climb to 4000 feet, as a missed approach procedure does not exist for a visual approach.

Missed Approaches

// potential conflicts and proper missed approach handling here...

Separation

Reduced Minimum Radar Separation

Minimum separation of IFR flights approaching the parallel runway system can be reduced to 2.5 NM, according to AIP, if no wake turbulence separation has to be applied:

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.

Reduced Runway Separation

RSS minima may be applied by Düsseldorf Tower, according to the following table:

Runway	preceding CAT 1/CAT 2 succeeding CAT 1	preceding CAT 1/CAT 2 succeeding CAT 2	preceding CAT 3 succeeding CAT 1/CAT 2/CAT 3
05L/23R	600m	1500m	N/A
05R/23L	600m	1500m	2400m

VFR Traffic

The Düsseldorf CTR extends up to 2500ft AMSL. Neighboring the Düsseldorf CTR to the west is the Mönchengladbach CTR (EDLN), which extends to 2000ft AMSL. All VFR flights transitioning between the two control zones require coordination. Class C airspace is respectively lowered to 2000ft AMSL over the Mönchengladbach control zone and to 1500ft AMSL at the eastern border of Düsseldorf CTR due to proximity to Essen-Mülheim Airport (EDLE). For further details see VFR charts.

Reporting Points and Holdings: Düsseldorf has three mandatory reporting points: NOVEMBER (N), SIERRA (S), and ECHO (E). SIERRA and ECHO lead into published VFR holding procedures south of the field, while NOVEMBER has a published holding procedure north of the field. Without further clearance after passing one of the VRPs, aircraft will automatically proceed to their respective published holding patterns. During low traffic situations, direct control zone entries may be approved.

Helicopter Operations: The dedicated helipad in front of Hangar 10 is exclusively reserved for NRW police flight squadron (Hummel) and federal police (Pirol) operations, who may depart and land without contacting Delivery or Ground. All other helicopters must use the active runway for departure and landing operations. Christoph 9, stationed at BGU Duisburg approximately 2.2 NM southeast of NOVEMBER, frequently requests transit through the control zone during emergency missions.

Important Landmarks for VFR Flights

• Rhine River
• Autobahn A3 (commonly followed by VFR aircraft crossing from ECHO to NOVEMBER)
• Düsseldorf University Hospital (UKD) - approximately 3 NM north of SIERRA
• Berufsgenossenschaftliche Unfallklinik Duisburg (BGU) - approximately 2.2 NM southeast of NOVEMBER