Civil Airfield Helgoland Duene (EDXH)

Helgoland are two islands in the middle of the North Sea some 45 miles from the mainland, Although part of Germany, they have their own peculiar history having been at times British; they were ‘swapped’ for Zanzibar in 1890; and were a naval base in both World Wars. In the Second World War, it was Germany’s largest submarine base (the remains of which can still be visited) and which caused an airfield to be built on ‘The Duene’ – the smallest of the two islands. Although part of Germany and a member of the EU it has a special economic status being Duty Tax free, including fuel.

One of the joys of flying there in the morning or late afternoon is that one can see the many tourist boats from the Friesian Islands, or mainland Germany, making their daily journey like spokes on a wheel. This results in the population changing from about 5000 by day to around 500 by night!

Runways: There are 3 crossed concrete runways which are VERY SHORT – the longest, 33/15 is only 480m. It is fortunately always windy; but it is a requirement that pilots have experience of AT LEAST 100+ HOURS IN STOL and Crosswinds experience before they can land. The approach to 33 has a slight sand bar and fence and, at the end of 33, there is an even taller sand dune at the end of the runway. So don’t fly in too low, especially as sunbathers are often present. [In the 1950’s there was a unique Warning on the Landing Plates : “Pilots must ensure that they are not distracted by the nudist beach by the threshold!”]

Airfield: The atmosphere on the airfield is very relaxed. The small modern terminal doubles as the campsite restaurant and supermarket (with lots of duty free alcohol) with lots of holidaymakers plane spotting -a high viz jacket is obligatory The man in the tower speaks very good English; but quickly switches to the familiar ‘Du’ when you speak German.

Avgas: One of the attractions of the island, for pilots, is the tax-free price of Avgas. Being an island, though, supplies are limited.. So do check their web page, https://www.flugplatz-helgoland.de/ which shows their current price and capacity. If their stocks are low - especially at weekends as their delivery day is Monday - the tower, if phoned in advance, is happy to ‘reserve’ some for you. At the pumps, you speak in the little tannoy speaker and ask him to switch them on, as he can’t see you from there. You then pick up the fuel receipt from tower, along with the landing fee, and pay downstairs at the duty free supermarket till.

Ferry: Transport between the two islands is by a regular short ferry. Unless one has a lot of luggage I would discourage the use of the ‘minibus’ which goes from the airport to the ferry terminal. it is only a pleasant 15 minute short walk along a tarmac path. The Ferry is ‘free’ to the mainland; one pays (€8) at the pier terminus tourist shop when one wants to return - they know you have got to get back!

Accommodation: This is naturally limited in the holiday season, but should be no trouble at other times: but remember in Germany each Bundeslander has - for the sake of the tourist industry - its own school holidays. I stayed at the Hanseat Hotel https://www.flugplatz-helgoland.de/

Attractions: The island thrives on the fact that it is ‘duty free’. This means there are many shops selling cameras, binoculars etc. at very competitive rates. In the evening, life is very peaceful - especially for nature lovers - as the majority of people have left. I visited the remains of the submarine base inside the cliffs which, despite the effort of the British to destroy them after the war, gives an insight as to what the island must have been like during WWII when the whole island was taken over by the German Navy and it was the largest submarine base in Europe and, conveniently for us, built the landing strip!