I remember the first time I had to pull up EIDW charts for Dublin Airport. I was a relatively fresh instrument-rated pilot, and honestly, I just stared at the screen for a good thirty seconds wondering where to even start. There’s a lot going on with Dublin — it’s one of Ireland’s busiest airports, and the chart package reflects that.
EIDW charts have gotten complicated with all the information flying around. So let me walk you through what I’ve learned over the years, because once you understand the structure, it all clicks into place pretty quickly.
The Main Types of EIDW Charts
Probably should have led with this — there are four main chart types you’ll work with at Dublin, and each one covers a different phase of your flight:
- Aerodrome Charts: These give you the bird’s-eye view of the airport itself. Runways, taxiways, aprons, terminal buildings — everything you need to not get lost on the ground.
- Approach Charts: These are your arrival guides. They lay out the procedures for getting from altitude down to the runway threshold.
- Departure Charts: The flip side of approach charts. They tell you what to do after wheels-up — initial climb, turns, altitude restrictions, all of it.
- Enroute Charts: For the cruise portion of your flight. Airways, navaids, waypoints — basically the highway map of the sky.
Aerodrome Charts — Your Ground Game
If you’ve ever taxied at a busy airport and felt that little knot in your stomach, you know why aerodrome charts matter. At EIDW, these charts show you runway lengths and widths, taxiway designations, the control tower location, and terminal positions. I cannot overstate how helpful it is to study these before you even start your engines.
The last thing you want is to accidentally wander onto an active runway because you misread a taxiway label. It happens more than people like to admit. Having the aerodrome chart fresh in your mind — or better yet, visible on your tablet — makes ground operations at Dublin feel a lot more manageable.
Approach Charts — Getting Down Safely
This is where things get serious, especially in poor weather. Approach charts at EIDW cover different runways and approach types, including ILS procedures. Each chart gives you step-down altitudes, holding patterns, and missed approach procedures. I always review the missed approach first, actually. Weird habit, maybe, but knowing your escape route before you commit to the approach just feels right.
Dublin gets its fair share of low-visibility days, so having these procedures committed to memory (or at least readily accessible) is something I really push for. Every runway configuration has its own chart, so make sure you’re looking at the right one for the ATIS information you received.
Departure Charts — SIDs at Dublin
Standard Instrument Departures (SIDs) are what keep the traffic flow organized after takeoff. EIDW’s departure charts specify your initial climb profile, any required turns, and altitude restrictions. Dublin is busy — really busy — so following these to the letter keeps everyone separated and safe.
These charts transition you from the runway environment into the enroute phase. I think of them as the on-ramp to the airway system. Miss a step here and you could end up in someone else’s airspace, which nobody wants.
Enroute Charts — The Cruise Phase
Once you’re established on your route, enroute charts become your primary reference. They show airways connecting various waypoints, plus navigational aids like VORs and NDBs. Think of airways as highways in the sky — they have entry points, exit points, and rules about who can be where. Following these charts keeps you clear of restricted airspace and on an efficient path to your destination.
Reading Chart Symbols
Here’s something that tripped me up early on: chart symbols. Runways show up as bold straight lines. Taxiways are thinner lines branching off. Holding areas and aprons appear as shaded zones near terminals. NAVAIDs each have their own icons with associated frequencies printed nearby.
That’s what makes EIDW charts endearing to student pilots, actually — once you crack the symbol code, you realize it’s a really logical system. The information density is high, but it’s organized in a way that rewards familiarity.
Altitude and Airspace Details
Charts tell you minimum altitudes for obstacle clearance and maximum altitudes related to airspace restrictions. Airspace class boundaries are clearly marked too. Getting these wrong can put you in conflict with other traffic or, worse, terrain. I always double-check altitude constraints during my briefing — it takes an extra minute but it’s worth it every time.
Charts in the Cockpit — EFBs and Tablets
Most pilots I know, myself included, use electronic flight bags or tablets these days. It’s so much easier than fumbling with paper. You can flip between chart types quickly, zoom in on details, and updates get pushed automatically so you’re always looking at current data. During preflight briefing, I’ll pull up each chart type I expect to need and give it a quick scan. It builds situational awareness before the flight even starts.
Where to Get EIDW Charts
The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) publishes up-to-date charts for all Irish airports, including Dublin. Jeppesen is another solid option — they have thorough coverage and their charts are widely used in commercial operations. Whichever source you use, just make sure you’re looking at the latest revision. Chart amendments happen, and flying with outdated information is asking for trouble.
Practical Tips I’ve Picked Up
Always check NOTAMs alongside your charts. A runway closure or a temporary procedure change won’t show up on the chart itself. Study the charts during your preflight briefing, not while you’re already in the air scrambling. Practice picking out key info fast — frequencies, altitudes, headings — because during a missed approach or unexpected diversion, speed matters.
Using EIDW charts well is really about preparation and practice. Dublin is a busy airport with a lot of traffic, and clear knowledge of the charts makes a real difference in how smoothly your operation goes. Take the time to study them properly and you’ll feel a lot more confident flying in and out of EIDW.
