SDF?

[Captain Oveur]

Just a quick one. Does anyone know what SDF stands for on the AIP approach Plates? Drawing a blank here at work!

Oveur

[Canuck Spin]

Hi Capt. Oveur,

A SDF is a Simplified Directional Facility - basically as far as I know it, similar to an ILS but a non-precision aid (i.e. less accuracy in the readouts or setup in relation to the runway).

I find http://users.pandora.be/flyingineurope/aaa.htm a great resource for helping to remember some of those TLAs!

Chrs, CS

[orionsbelt]

See AIP Gen 2-2-8

SDF = Step Down Fix

Cheers
***

[Canuck Spin]

Or more logically...

Or more logically than my previous post, had I not had instruments and landing aids etc. on the mind and just looked at a plate...

SDF = Step Down Fix, i.e. a safe point at which you can not descend to MDA until passed for obstacle clearance etc.

Oops! Engage brain before fingers...
CS

[Polarhero]

Oh well i was too slow.

SDF = Step down fix.

GEN 2-2 of the AIP has all the abbreviations used in the AIP.