Speed limit points -UK
 

Hi there people, can someone please explain the requirements of the SLP (speed limit points) on some UK approach plates. If the SLP states "250 kts at the SLP or 3 mins before the holding fix at FL140 and below" . The way I see it you have to be back at 250kts at this point if you're crossing the SLP FL140 and below. If you are crossing above FL140 - no speed restriction. Is there a requirement to reduce speed to 250kts from FL140???? Any reference # in the Jepps??? Thanks in advance....:ugh:

Not all the SLPs in the UK are worded in the same way. Check out Heathrow, Stansted etc compared to Gatwick.

The wording you quote is used at Edinburgh.

My understanding is that if you cross the SLP above FL140 you can be above 250Kt.

That means that you will have to be at 250Kt at FL140 if this happens between the SLP (or 3minute to run point) and the hold entry fix.

Remember though that the holding speeds i.e. the speed you must be at as you enter the hold is 230Kt up to FL140 and 240Kt FL145 to FL200. So for example hitting TARTN at 300Kt is not going to bode well for a nice hold entry.

Having said all that, if you are going to have to hold and expect to enter a stack with a FL70 ish base above FL140, I would be more worried about slowing down early and working out the diversion options than racing in at high speed.

Regards,

DFC

Thanks for the reply DFC, maybe I should have been more precise with my question. I am very aware of descent planning and entering holds, holding speeds etc.. the plate in question Rosun 1A into EGCC. I understand that at the SLP (rosun -12nm) 250kts max, reducing to 230kts by rosun. I like to plan to be FL070 / 230kts at rosun. My question is "do I have to be back at 250 kts prior to descending below FL140 ?" From my understanding as long as I am at 250 kts by the SLP I'm ok. Thanks in advance ........

Yes.

If you cross the SLP at 250 or less then you can't go wrong!

Regards,

DFC

On Luton's arrivals there is an SLP with no speed or time specified???

On the LOREL arrival into Luton it's BOMBO or BPK depending on which arrival you are on or if on an ABBOT arrival it's LAPRA.

You must be at 250 knots at the SLP - as the controller will assume this speed in setting distance (time) spacing from that point on.

You must be at 250 knots 3 minutes before the holding fix, if you are directed to holding, also ensuring that you meet the holding speed requirement of 230 knots (below FL140) as you enter the hold (pass the fix).

... So if you pass the speed limit point on the star above FL140 you are still required to meet the 250 knot requirement.

Read the text notes. You will also find it is an ATC mandatory requirement to maintain a minimum of 160 knots to 4 DME.

4dme being the latest point at which a speed control can be issued by ATC.