JimmyNeutron
JimmyNeutron
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Asked

Greetings fellow simpilots,

Although not totally new to sim flying, I'm confused about real life info... being from the Boston area, I've decided to "follow" the Red Sox around this season. I've been going to the FAA site to get airport diagrams and the like. Question: What is the reason for multiple DP's and IAP's? Is it related to the direction in which you plan to go once in the air? Or from what direction you plan to approach the airport? How do you decide which one you need?

Thanks,
Jim

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Guest
Guest
Answered

It is based on where you are planning to go to/come from. So if you were flying to Barcelona 25R and you were flying via Pumal, you would probably fly a Pumal3T STAR. Likewise, if you were taking off from Gatwick and flying to Clacton, you would probably carry out a Clacton3X (or Clacton8M if you're not using RNAV).

Ian Stephens (ianstephens)
Ian Stephens (ianstephens)
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Joined: Feb 22, 2012 Posts: 882
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Expert Answered

Hi Jim,

It's great to see you expanding your knowledge about aviation and flight procedures. I'll be happy to provide some insight into your questions about DPs (Departure Procedures) and IAPs (Instrument Approach Procedures).

Departure Procedures (DPs)
DPs are pre-planned routes used by aircraft to transition from the terminal area to the en-route phase of flight. The primary reasons for having multiple DPs are:

  • Runway Configuration: Different DPs may be designed for different runways, taking into account the airport's layout and prevailing winds.
  • Noise Abatement: DPs can help mitigate noise pollution by directing aircraft over less populated areas or by specifying certain altitudes and speeds.
  • Air Traffic Separation: DPs can ensure safe separation between departing and arriving aircraft or between aircraft flying in the same direction.
  • En-route Transition: Different DPs may be designed to connect to specific airways, which could be dependent on the aircraft's final destination.

Instrument Approach Procedures (IAPs)
IAPs are designed to guide aircraft to the runway when visibility is limited, such as during poor weather conditions. Similar to DPs, multiple IAPs exist for various reasons:

  • Runway Configuration: Different IAPs may be tailored to specific runways, based on factors like runway length, width, and surface condition.
  • Navigation Aids: IAPs can be designed around different types of navigation aids, such as ILS (Instrument Landing System), GPS (Global Positioning System), or VOR (VHF Omnidirectional Range).
  • Terrain and Obstacle Clearance: IAPs ensure that aircraft maintain a safe distance from terrain and obstacles during the approach.
  • Air Traffic Separation: Multiple IAPs can help manage the flow of arriving traffic and prevent conflicts with other aircraft or airspace restrictions.
  • As for deciding which DP or IAP to use, this is typically determined by air traffic control (ATC) based on factors such as weather, runway availability, traffic congestion, and the aircraft's intended route. In a flight simulator environment, you can either choose the most appropriate procedure based on these factors or refer to the simulator's built-in ATC for guidance.

I hope this helps clear up your confusion about DPs and IAPs. Don't hesitate to ask if you have any more questions!

Safe flying!

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