Business Aviation Trip Planning: German Formula 1 Grand Prix 2013
This year’s German Formula 1 Grand Prix will be held July 5-7 at the Nurburgring circuit. Note that this is a different race track, and location, than last year’s Nordschleife event. The 2013 German Grand Prix is anticipated to draw a large crowd and may result in increased General Aviation (GA) traffic. Due to this increased traffic at all area airports over the Formula 1 period, it’s best to start your trip planning well in advance. Here is an overview of what you need to know:
1. Primary airports to consider for this Formula 1 event
Primary airports to consider for the German Formula 1 Grand Prix are Cologne (EDDK) at one hour from the track, Frankfurt Hahn (EDFH) at one hour and 22 minutes from the race track, Frankfurt Main (EDDF) at one hour and 40 minutes from the track and Dusseldorf (EDDL) at one hour and 30 minutes from the circuit. All of these are Airports of Entry (AOEs).
- AOE: Yes
- Operating hours:
24 hours for Stage 3 aircraft arrivals
24 hours for Stage 3 aircraft departures on bonus list
0600-2200 local for Stage 3 aircraft departures not on bonus list
0800-2000 local for Stage 2 aircraft - Prior Permission Required (PPR): Not required
- Airport slots: Not required
- Aircraft parking: Available
- Ground handling: Available
- Aviation fuel: Available
- In-flight catering: Available
Notes:
Stage 2 aircraft permitted into this airport must have an airworthiness certificate issued less than 25 years prior and must meet the following criteria:
- Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW) of 34,000 kg or a design series approved with seats for more than 19 passengers, and
- Equipped with engines having bypass ratios of less than 2
The bonus list contains a list of aircraft allowed to operate into and out of this airport 24 hours a day. Aircraft on this list include all aircraft under 25,000 kg MTOW, as well as Gulfstream G4 and G5 series aircraft. For a complete list of bonus list aircraft, please contact your 3rd-party provider.
Hangar space availability is only known after the aircraft arrives.
- AOE: Yes
- Operating hours: 24 hours
- PPR: Required for all aircraft with at least 24 hours’ notice
- Airport slots: Not required
- Aircraft parking: Available
- Ground handling: Available
- Aviation fuel: Available
- In-flight catering: Available
Notes:
Stage 2 aircraft are banned at this airport. PPR is necessary for airport parking purposes.
- AOE: Yes
- Operating hours:
0500-2259 local Stage 4 ops
0600-2159 local Stage 3 ops - PPR: Not required
- Airport slots: Required for all arrivals and departures
- Aircraft parking: Available
- Ground handling: Available
- Aviation fuel: Available
- In-flight catering: Available
Notes:
Stage 2 aircraft are banned from this airport.
No GA operations are permitted 2300-0500 local.
Airport slots can be arranged up to six weeks in advance for GA flights. All flight plans filed for slots at coordinated German airports must indicate the 10-digit airport slot-ID number in remarks section 18 of the flight plan. Airport slot deviation time is +10/-5 minutes.
All airport slots must be requested in General Aviation Clearance Request (GCR) format. Slot coordinator office hours are Monday-Friday, 0800-1700 local. For urgent requests outside these hours, it’s necessary to communicate directly with the Aeronautical Information Service (AIS) unit.
- AOE: Yes
- Operating hours:
0600-2300 local normal hours
0600-2200 local Stage 3 departures
0600-2300 local Stage 3 arrivals
0800-1900 local Stage 2 up to 34 tons only
0800-1900 local non-ICAO 16 aircraft ban - PPR: Required for all aircraft with at least 24 hours’ notice
- Airport slots: Required
- Aircraft parking: Available
- Ground handling: Available
- Aviation fuel: Available
- In-flight catering: Available
Notes:
This airport has a very strict curfew with no possibility for overtime except for air ambulance flights.
For departures close to airport closure time, it’s important that the aircraft starts taxiing a minimum of 13 minutes before closure in order to be granted a legal takeoff.
Non-ICAO 16 refers to jet aircraft not licensed in accordance with ICAO Annex 16 noise certifications.
PPRs are required for all arrivals and departures requesting GA terminal handling between 2300-0600 local. PPR must be requested prior to 2100 local.
Airport slots can be arranged up to six weeks in advance for GA flights. All flight plans filed for slot-coordinated German airports must indicate the 10-digit airport slot-ID number in remarks section 18. Airport slot deviation time is +/-30 minutes.
All airport slots need to be requested in GCR format. Slot coordinator office hours are Monday-Friday, 0800-1700 local. Outside these hours, and for urgent requests, communication must be done via the AIS unit.
2. Charter (non-scheduled commercial) permits are needed
Charter permits are required for all charter operations to Germany. The German Civil Aviation Authority officially requires five working days to process charter landing permit requests. The minimum advance notification, prior to the scheduled departure, is three working days. For more information on Germany charter permits, please read our article titled “Demystifying the Charter Permit Process in Germany.”
3. Consider hotel and transport options
There are many excellent hotel options in the areas around EDDK, EDDF and EDDL, including a wide selection of 4- and 5-star accommodations. The area around EDFH, however, has fewer options, unless you travel into Frankfurt, a drive of about one hour and 30 minutes. Due to increased traffic during this time period, it’s recommended that hotels be booked as far in advance as possible.
Pre-paid transportation (car with driver) is recommended during the German Grand Prix period. As there will be heavy traffic, possible road closures and a general lack of parking in the area, rental vehicles are not recommended.
4. Additional information
Additional information on the German Grand Prix taking place at Nürburgring can be found at the German Formula 1 website.
Conclusion
While there are many airport options to consider for this year’s German Formula 1 Grand Prix, a host of airport parking, curfew, permit and documentation issues must be considered prior to operation. For the best options, and to avoid any operational issues, it’s best to begin the trip planning process with your 3rd-party provider and ground handler as soon as practical.
Questions?
If you have any questions about this article or operations to Germany, contact us at greglinton@univ-wea.com or christinevamvakas@univ-wea.com.
