Descent on a STAR UK vs ICAO
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 36
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From: Somewhere
Descent on a STAR UK vs ICAO
Hello!
I'm just after some clarification on descent clearances issued on STAR's in the UK and ICAO operations.
In the UK, as I understand, when an aircraft is cleared for a STAR, this is just the lateral navigation (waypoint to waypoint) as descent is always commanded by ATC, stated FL/Alt restrictions are for planning only.
Are ICAO rules different and vary by state?
In some states would a controller expect the aircraft to descend in accordance with the published STAR, despite no actual descent clearance being issued?
Does anyone have a document to confirm these rules?
Many Thanks
I'm just after some clarification on descent clearances issued on STAR's in the UK and ICAO operations.
In the UK, as I understand, when an aircraft is cleared for a STAR, this is just the lateral navigation (waypoint to waypoint) as descent is always commanded by ATC, stated FL/Alt restrictions are for planning only.
Are ICAO rules different and vary by state?
In some states would a controller expect the aircraft to descend in accordance with the published STAR, despite no actual descent clearance being issued?
Does anyone have a document to confirm these rules?
Many Thanks
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 66
Likes: 2
From: ipswich
"UK AIC yellow Y023/2010 issued 20 May 2010 is still valid.....para 3.2 answers your question".
Not sure if still valid
Try this,,, I asked the same sort of question a while ago and got the above answer which answers it. I carry out the same technique in the rest of euro land
Not sure if still valid
Try this,,, I asked the same sort of question a while ago and got the above answer which answers it. I carry out the same technique in the rest of euro land
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 36
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From: Somewhere
Thank you!
That confirms the fact regarding the UK.
However, I'm still confused about ICAO guidelines. I've read various parts of Doc 4444, which is also stated in the AIC mentioned above, but my real question relates to the initial response from ATC, when clearing an aircraft for a STAR.
In the initial clearance for a STAR, if ATC do not give any further clearances, should an aircraft descend completely in accordance with the STAR as documented in the Jepp/Aerad? The documents I have read only seem to talk about descent below any level or altitude stated on the STAR procedure?
Thanks again
That confirms the fact regarding the UK.
However, I'm still confused about ICAO guidelines. I've read various parts of Doc 4444, which is also stated in the AIC mentioned above, but my real question relates to the initial response from ATC, when clearing an aircraft for a STAR.
In the initial clearance for a STAR, if ATC do not give any further clearances, should an aircraft descend completely in accordance with the STAR as documented in the Jepp/Aerad? The documents I have read only seem to talk about descent below any level or altitude stated on the STAR procedure?
Thanks again
Joined: Dec 2014
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From: Up a tree
If you look at the UK STAR charts, they all have written on them:
Check the other charts for other countries and see what they say on them.
DESCENT PLANNING
Pilots should plan for possible descent
clearance as detailed in the table below.
ACTUAL DESCENT CLEARANCE WILL
BE AS DIRECTED BY ATC.
Pilots should plan for possible descent
clearance as detailed in the table below.
ACTUAL DESCENT CLEARANCE WILL
BE AS DIRECTED BY ATC.
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 8
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From: New Zealand
Descent below levels specified in a STAR
To quote from ICAO D4444 Chap 6-5
6.5.2.4 DESCENT BELOW LEVELS SPECIFIED IN A STAR
Note.— See also 11.4.2.6.2.5.
When an arriving aircraft on a STAR is cleared to descend to a level lower than the level or the level(s) specified in a STAR, the aircraft shall follow the published vertical profile of a STAR, unless such restrictions are explicitly cancelled by ATC. Published minimum levels based on terrain clearance shall always be applied.
6.5.2.4 DESCENT BELOW LEVELS SPECIFIED IN A STAR
Note.— See also 11.4.2.6.2.5.
When an arriving aircraft on a STAR is cleared to descend to a level lower than the level or the level(s) specified in a STAR, the aircraft shall follow the published vertical profile of a STAR, unless such restrictions are explicitly cancelled by ATC. Published minimum levels based on terrain clearance shall always be applied.
