Originally Posted by Bergerie1
simple DME/Altitude tables
Once again !
Some points' altitudes are mandatory : IAF,IF,FAF,Radionav, MAP,...
Tables are mostly not mandatory.
Saying that a "simple DME/Altitudes table" is the solution, is a dangerous message to the pilot's or approach designer's mind.
AIR FRANCE had to add position of the FAF on all their approach charts after Jan 20.1990 crash LFST VOR-DME 05 (SAINTE ODILE) . They thought it was unuseful after they built the CDA approach with two derogations. They just denied the FAF! That derogative chart has been accepted by many organisations listed in the report.
The BEA was not able(/allowed?) to write a recommandation about necessity to place the FAF on the approach chart. But AIR FRANCE was too happy to don't be pointed by the BEA and modified their AF/ATLAS charts very quickly....
In most operational computing you have two different varieties of variables. These who put absolute limits are called "constraints", and their description "equations" are inequations. The simple Distance/altitude points are from the other variety.