Airport Approaches
The approach is the final segment of a flight that connects to the runway at the airport. Before the existence of approaches in N-FP, this segment was included as part of the STAR. It is still possible to indicate that a STAR includes an approach so that the system does not try to add another approach on to the end of the STAR. If the STAR does not include an approach when the route is generated, the N-FP system connects the STAR to the runway using an approach.
Similar to STARs, approaches include a series of waypoints with optional flight level restrictions. They can be configured to be valid only during a given date and time range. Approaches are considered common data and are maintained as part of the AIRAC cycle. Like airways, waypoints, and STARs, you cannot modify or add approaches. You can add criteria against a specific approach on the ALC Runway Approach Minima screen.
Each approach will only be applicable for one runway at the airport however, multiple approaches may exist for a single runway. While approaches are usually intended to be used at the end of a STAR, they can also be used without a STAR (a DCT route to an airport may still use an approach).
Minima
Approach Minima refers to the minimum ceiling and visibility required to use an approach. When the route is being generated, the Minima requirements help the N-FP system determine the appropriate approach to use at an airport. The approach is not used if the ceiling and visibility at the airport do not meet the Minima for the approach. If the approach is specified in the route, a warning is generated to indicate that the selected approach is not valid.
Minima entries are keyed to a specific approach by its runway, type, suffix (if present) and transition ID. Minima requires an approach speed category that tells the system which aircraft to apply the Minima to. The Minima will only apply to aircraft with the same approach speed category.
The Minima entry for an airport also includes a generic ceiling and visibility limit for Alternate use. For instance, if this airport is used as an Alternate, all approaches must meet the same Minima. The individual entries for each approach are used when the airport is used as a destination.
Approach Types
Approaches are categorized by type. This helps to indicate which approach can be flown based on the aircraft’s equipment, which is set in FOMS 220.
Approach types are:
Approach Types - FOMS 170
By default, approaches are turned on. In FOMS 170, set the Landing Approach flag to N to disable this feature. When set to Y or blank, the feature is on.
Enter the sequence of approach types in order of preference if different from the default approach types hardcoded within N-FP – IJPRDSVLBQNGXU. N-FP looks at these when deciding on the best approach based on aircraft equipment (item 10).
Set Default Runways flag to L/M/B/N. Option B ensures that the N-FP system provides the best optimized option for the selected runway/approach type(s) available at the destination and/or alternate.
Expanding an MTTA using Best Route generates the following result:
Manual Route Building using Approach Minima
When building a manual route, the following string must be typed in the command box:
In the route string shown above, here are the elements broken down:
Flight Plan Format – showing approach info
Here is an example of how you can show approach information in your format:
Approaches - FOMS 326
FOMS 326 has been added as a new database for approaches. This database is updated every AIRAC cycle. You cannot add or edit FOMS 326. You can add criteria against a specific approach on the ALC Approach Minima screen.
FOMS 326 Fields
Here is an example of Suffix.
Aircraft Category - FOMS 215
Each aircraft has an approach category that defines the approach speeds available for the aircraft. The approach category can be set:
in FOMS 215 for the aircraft type
the Aircraft Characteristics menu FOMS 220 for an individual aircraft.
ALC Approach Minima
The minimum allowable ceiling and visibility can be added for each approach. This allows the N-FP system to know whether or not an approach can be used with the current weather conditions at the airport. The MTTA attempts to try to avoid the approach if the Minima are not met. If an approach is specified and does not meet the Minima, a warning is generated.
Alternate Minima
Minima values for the destination alternate must be equal or greater than those entered for the airport.
If a lesser Minima value is entered, you will see this:
