Example 1, which refers to the London Heathrow STAR 10-2E and the… — Page 158, Lesson 163

I want to walk you through a set of practice questions that are designed to test your ability to read and interpret two specific types of aeronautical charts: a Standard Terminal Arrival Route, or STAR, and an Instrument Landing System approach chart. These are real-world documents you will use in the cockpit, so understanding every symbol, abbreviation, and procedure is critical. Let’s start with Example 1, which refers to the London Heathrow STAR 10-2E and the appropriate legend. The first question asks you to decode *ATIS. ATIS stands for Automatic Terminal Information Service. The asterisk before it is a standard chart symbol that typically indicates that the ATIS is broadcast on a specific VHF frequency, and you would listen to it before beginning your arrival procedure to get the current weather, runway in use, and other operational information. Next, question b asks: What is the Transition Level and Altitude? Define both terms and transition layer. The Transition Altitude is the altitude above mean sea level at which you change from using a local QNH pressure setting to the standard pressure setting of 1013.25 hectopascals. Below the Transition Altitude, your altimeter is set to QNH, and your indicated altitude is your height above mean sea level. The Transition Level is the lowest flight level available above the Transition Altitude. When you climb through the Transition Altitude, you set your altimeter to 1013.25 hPa, and your indicated altitude becomes a flight level. The transition layer is the airspace between the Transition Altitude and the Transition Level. It is a buffer zone where you are transitioning from altitude-based separation to flight-level-based separation. Question c refers to the OCKHAM ONE DELTA (OCK 1D) procedure and asks: What is the descent planning clearance? On a STAR chart, the descent planning clearance is a pre-planned clearance that authorises you to descend to a specific altitude or flight level at a specific point, usually given by ATC as part of your arrival clearance. For the OCK 1D, you would need to read the chart's textual description to find that specific altitude or flight level. Question d asks you to Explain the significance of the symbol . That symbol is a downward-pointing triangle. On a STAR chart, it marks a compulsory reporting point. When you reach that point, you must report your position to ATC. Question e asks: State the holding speeds in the London TMA. TMA stands for Terminal Manoeuvring Area. Holding speeds are published maximum speeds for aircraft holding at a fix. In the London TMA, these speeds are typically 220 knots indicated airspeed, but you would confirm the exact value from the legend or the chart itself. Question f asks: What is the elevation of the airfield? The airfield elevation is the height of the highest point on the landing area above mean sea level. For London Heathrow, you would read that value from the chart's data block, usually given in feet. Question g asks you to Decode the triangular symbol at KENET. KENET is a waypoint. The triangular symbol at KENET is a waypoint symbol, specifically a fly-by waypoint or a compulsory reporting point, depending on the chart's legend. It marks a defined geographical position used for navigation. Question h asks you to Define the geographical position of KENET in relation to the LON and OCK VOR/DME beacons. VOR/DME stands for VHF Omnidirectional Range and Distance Measuring Equipment. You would describe KENET's position by giving its radial and distance from each beacon. For example, KENET might be on the 270 radial at 15 nautical miles from the LON VOR/DME, and on the 090 radial at 20 nautical miles from the OCK VOR/DME. The exact values come from the chart. Question i asks you to Decode SLP. SLP stands for Speed Limiting Point. This is a point on the STAR where a speed restriction applies. Typically, you must reduce your indicated airspeed to a specific value, such as 250 knots, at or before that point. Question j asks you to Explain the symbols defined by the 275 radial (R275°) at 12 NM from the OCK VOR. The 275 radial at 12 nautical miles from the OCK VOR defines a specific geographical fix. The symbol at that location could be a waypoint, a holding pattern, or a crossing restriction. You would read the chart to see what symbol is there and what it means. Question k asks: State the speed limiting procedures for this STAR. Speed limiting procedures are published speed restrictions that apply along the arrival route. For this STAR, you would list the maximum indicated airspeed at specific waypoints or within specific airspace, such as 250 knots below 10,000 feet or 220 knots in the TMA. Question l asks: What is the planned possible descent clearance for the OCK 1F procedure? Similar to question c, this is the pre-planned altitude or flight level you are cleared to descend to as part of the OCK 1F arrival. You would find that value on the chart. Question m asks: At what distance would this planned descent start from the OCK VOR/DME? This is the distance from the OCK VOR/DME at which you would begin your descent to the planned clearance altitude. You would read that distance from the chart's profile view or textual description. Question n refers to the HONILEY VOR/DME and asks three parts: - i. State its callsign. The callsign is the three-letter identifier, such as HON. - ii. State its frequency. The frequency is the VHF frequency, such as 113.75 MHz. - iii. What does “D“ mean? The “D” in VOR/DME stands for Distance Measuring Equipment. It means the VOR beacon is co-located with a DME, which provides slant-range distance in nautical miles from the beacon. Finally, question o asks you to Detail the meaning of, and the flight procedure for, the oval pattern located at the OCK VOR. That oval pattern is a holding pattern. It is a racetrack-shaped manoeuvre used to delay an aircraft while awaiting further clearance. The procedure involves entering the pattern at the fix, flying outbound on a specific radial for a set distance or time, turning inbound, and repeating until cleared. The chart would specify the holding radial, the direction of turns (standard right-hand turns), and the maximum holding speed. Now, let’s move to Example 2, which is an Approach Chart for London Heathrow ILS DME Rwy 27L, 11-3. This chart is used for the final approach phase. The first part, Plan View, asks about the top left-hand box. You need to decode three items: - “HEATHROW Director (APP) (R) 119.72”: This is the frequency for the Heathrow Director, which is an approach control position. “(APP)” means Approach Control, and “(R)” means it is a radar frequency. You would call this frequency on 119.72 MHz for approach instructions. - “Alt Set: hPa. Rwy Elev: 3 hPa.”: “Alt Set” means altimeter setting. “hPa” stands for hectopascals, the unit of pressure. “Rwy Elev: 3 hPa” means that the runway elevation, when converted to a pressure correction, is 3 hectopascals. This is used to set your altimeter to read zero on touchdown. - “Trans alt. 6000’ (5923’).”: “Trans alt” stands for Transition Altitude. It is 6000 feet above mean sea level. The number in parentheses, 5923 feet, is the height of the transition altitude above the airport elevation. So, when you are above 6000 feet, you use standard pressure setting. Question b asks: Define MSA. MSA stands for Minimum Sector Altitude. It is the lowest altitude that provides at least 1000 feet of obstacle clearance within a 25-nautical-mile radius of a navigation aid or a defined point. It is used for emergency descent or when you are unsure of your position, and it ensures you clear all terrain and obstacles. These questions are designed to make you think like a pilot reading a chart. Take your time with each one, and always refer back to the chart and its legend for the exact values and symbols.