LHR approach phraseology

[Dozza2k]

Just a quickie, now that we have been doing this for a while, I still don't know the answer:

You guys clear us onto the intercept heading and then say "call established localiser 27R"

Then a bit later prior to intercepting it may become "when established, descend ILS 27R" .

So, do you still want us to call established, or not to bother since it's a busy frequency and we're cleared down the slope anyway?


D2K

[HEATHROW DIRECTOR]

Surprised nobody has responded... I'm sure they want you to report established once you start descent on the glide. That's their bit done so then they switch you over to the tower..

[AlexCartman]

I've never understood what this whole business of "report established localizer" and "descend on the glide" is about anyway. As far as I know, ICAO phraseology is "turn left/right heading xxx, cleared xxx approach runway yy". What's wrong with that?

[HEATHROW DIRECTOR]

Alex.. This has been dealt with many, many times on here. Underneath the approaches to some UK airports there is other traffic - maybe landing at other airfields/heliports or maybe just transitting... light aircraft, helicopters, etc. We found that some pilots, when "cleared for the ILS" descended to very low level in direct conflict with traffic underneath them. As a result, we adopted the procedure to establish on the localiser. When thus established they were told to descend on the ILS - that is, follow the ILS. It's all to do with safety, which we're super conscious about over here. It's no big deal; it happens thousands of times every day but just occasionally a new pilot becomes curious.

[ATCO Two]

"Surprised nobody has responded" Well Bren, we were all just waiting for you I guess! :E :ugh: :ugh: :ugh:
Nice work anyway matey!

[simfly]

Also just to point out, this isn't "LHR approach phraseology", it's the whole UK.

[HEATHROW DIRECTOR]

ATCO Two.... Ta K!!!

[refplus20]

When on the intercept heading, how about - 'Maintain xxxxft until established, cleared for the approach'?

Just a thought!