Landing Clearance Granted at 10,000 Feet During STAR Approach. Now, What's the Next Step?
In the realm of air travel, Standard Terminal Arrival Routes (STARs) play a crucial role in managing inbound IFR traffic into defined routes. These routes, such as the Corpus Christie VOR on the TEJAS 4 Arrival, typically begin with a transition, like the one on the BRWNZ 3 Arrival into Cleveland.
On the BRWNZ 3 Arrival, if cleared for the ILS 24R, pilots should program the ILS to Runway 24R with the LLROY transition. The leg from BORNY to SHERK, which is 3.2 miles long, requires a minimum altitude of 3,000 feet for aligning with the final approach course of the ILS to Runway 24R. However, staying at 4,000 feet until SHERK would still be too high to intercept the ILS glideslope for Runway 24R, highlighting the importance of adhering to the minimum altitude information during transitions.
The BRWNZ 3 Arrival also illustrates another key point: the approach controller may not always tell you to expect Runway 24R. Therefore, pilots must pay close attention to all details on approach plates, including pointers, to ensure a safe and efficient transition. Charts may sometimes condense information, and pointers may be used to list the magnetic course, leg distance, and minimum altitude.
Similarly, on the QWENN 5 Arrival into Salt Lake City, if assigned Runway 34R, expect to intercept the ISLC localizer and proceed inbound. On Runways 34L and 35 in Salt Lake City, expect radar vectors to the final approach course.
In the fast-paced nature of a final approach, especially in a jet, it's easy to miss pointers due to their similarity to other markings on the approach plate. That's why following the published STAR and runway transition, descending "via the STAR" if cleared, planning your descent profile carefully, coordinating lateral navigation with ATC instructions, and monitoring ATC clearances closely are essential steps to safely capture the ILS approach's vertical and lateral guidance.
ATC organizes arriving traffic in three dimensions: altitude, lateral path, and airspeed. By respecting altitude and speed restrictions, following runway transitions, and responding to ATC clearances, pilots can smoothly align with the ILS approach's vertical and lateral guidance.
[1] FAA, "Standard Terminal Arrival Routes (STARs)," FAA, 2021. [Online]. Available: https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/ATP_CHG/atc_chapter/media/pt-6_ch14_pg1-5.pdf [2] FAA, "Standard Terminal Arrival Routes (STARs)," FAA, 2021. [Online]. Available: https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/ATP_CHG/atc_chapter/media/pt-6_ch14_pg6-7.pdf [3] FAA, "Standard Terminal Arrival Routes (STARs)," FAA, 2021. [Online]. Available: https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/ATP_CHG/atc_chapter/media/pt-6_ch14_pg8-9.pdf [4] FAA, "Standard Terminal Arrival Routes (STARs)," FAA, 2021. [Online]. Available: https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/ATP_CHG/atc_chapter/media/pt-6_ch14_pg10-11.pdf [5] FAA, "Standard Terminal Arrival Routes (STARs)," FAA, 2021. [Online]. Available: https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/ATP_CHG/atc_chapter/media/pt-6_ch14_pg12-13.pdf
- Pilots should diligently follow Standard Terminal Arrival Routes (STARs) to manage IFR traffic, as seen in the BRWNZ 3 Arrival heading to Cleveland.
- On the BRWNZ 3 Arrival, the ILS 24R needs to be programmed, with the LLROY transition, if cleared for the approach.
- Maintaining a minimum altitude of 3,000 feet is critical during the leg from BORNY to SHERK on the BRWNZ 3 Arrival.
- Adhering to the minimum altitude information during transitions is vital, even when ascending to 4,000 feet might still be above the ILS glideslope for Runway 24R.
- Approach controllers may not always instruct about the expected runway, so pilots must examine approach plates meticulously for details.
- On the QWENN 5 Arrival, if assigned Runway 34R, pilots should anticipate intercepting the ISLC localizer and proceeding inbound.
- In the aviation industry, proper compliance with ATC clearances, altitude and speed restrictions, and runway transitions is essential for a safe and smooth alignment with the ILS approach's vertical and lateral guidance.
- By studying STARs, runway transitions, and approach plates, implementing descent profiles carefully, and staying attentive to ATC clearances, pilots can ensure a successful capture of the ILS approach's vertical and lateral guidance, making significant contributions to the transportation and finance sectors of the industry.
