A+ projects require excellent weather conditions, and the scientific justification for the observations should be convincing.

In principle, A+ projects can only be requested by Principal Investigators from Bonn or Cologne. (All other observers who wish to apply for A+ priority should include a responsible observer from Bonn or should make sure that the observations can be performed in absentee-mode.)

The requested classification as an A+ project should be indicated on the proposal form. The PKE will decide on it.

The procedure is based on the following conditions:

• A maximum of 20 days per year will be assigned to A+ projects by the PKE.
• For primary focus observations A+ projects should require a slot of at least 12 hours per run — or it should be possible to fill the rest with complementary projects by the same person/group.
• A+ projects which require the secondary focus can be scheduled for any time slot/s.
• In case your project has been classified A+, YOU YOURSELF will be responsible for the scheduling. YOU will have to inform the telescope operators. If the receiver system has to be changed, YOU will also have to contact the system group in Effelsberg (K. Grypstra et al.) early enough — if possible 1 day in advance.
• If you decide to be the “scheduler” for your A+ project your decision is fixed. Any “Nachmeßzeit” because of bad weather conditions will not be accepted.

In principle, NO A+ observations are possible during already scheduled coordinated observations with other observatories (e.g. VLBI), during defined time slots for monitoring programms, during target-of-opportunity (TOO) periods, or during already scheduled projects with a PI from abroad being present in Effelsberg.

To all A+ projects a ranking of priority will be given. It is the duty of the PI with the first right to inform the scheduler on any dates when he will not be able to observe (e.g. holidays, business trips ...) so that the right can be passed on to the succeeding A+ project.