CDA approach into EGLL

[westinghouse]

hi all,

just a quick question abt the continuos descent into lon for rwy 09 approach via lambourne.

we all know that the minimum required descent is 500 fpm by atc.

when we are cleared to leave the lambourne hold lets say around FL90 we are isued a hdg ( 270 deg) and speed 220 kts.

the next waypoint on the star states to be at FL70, 30 miles from position lambourne.

my question is with a descent at 500fpm you level off much earlier than the waypoint. is it allowed to continue the descent at around 200fpm which you bring us at FL70 closer to the waypoint?

200fpm is a very shallow descent and would that be exceptable.

thanx.

[Del Prado]

CDA's only apply from 6000'. Due to airspace contstraints we may need you down much earlier than you'd like eg. getting down to 70 well before the traffic holding at BNN at 80.

Below the Transition Level(?) the 500fpm restriction no longer applies

[HEATHROW DIRECTOR]

It used to be the case that once on radar headings after leaving the holding areas the STAR no longer applied. Is this still the case?

[120.4]

Westinghouse:

Are you refering to the RNAV RIAP?

.4

[GS-Alpha]

Also a CDA is defined as > 50ft per nm ROD, so at 220kts you will get away with 200ft/min. And if memory serves me correctly, you are allowed a level segment as long as it is < 2.5nm and occurs just once. CDAs apply from 6000ft and the 500ft/min restriction is removed.

[westinghouse]

hi,

well its the normal star for landing in london. Lambourne 3A via lambourne. i dont know how to upload the chart sorry.

i undertand that when on a hdg the altitude contraints dont apply. but in this particular case if you dont select a lower v/s you end up levelling off at FL70 and it doesnt really make it a cda approach. youll be flying level for around 20 miles.

is that acceptable and when does the cda really come into play.

thanx for the info so far.

rgds.

[GS-Alpha]

CDA comes into play from 6000ft so it does not matter what you are doing at FL70.

[A7700]

By ICAO definition , STARS are ending at the IAF where the approach procedure starts which also contain levels restrictions.

[HEATHROW DIRECTOR]

Thought that was the case. The STAR charts in the UK AIP make no mention of waypoints beyond the holding areas.