Hello all,
As we are now well into IFATC regions I thought I would share with the community how we can open both EGLC (London City) and EGLL (London Heathrow) simultaneously.
This before has proved difficult due to the proximity of the two airports and the lack of use of real world procedures, here I intend to list these procedures so this is possible
Firstly I’ll start with Heathrow EGLL.
Both SIDS and STARS are mandatory for arrival at EGLL 24/7.
Aircraft always take off and land from different runways, and these are swapped at 1500 each day for noise abatement.
As well as this, until a tailwind of more than 5kts has been exceeded Heathrow should operate on 27L/R.
Heathrow has 4 holding points used, these are LAM Lambourne, BIG Biggin, BNN Bovingdon and OCK Ockham.
These are all referred to as stacks and aircraft will arrive at these at no higher than FL120, and descend through them and leave at FL70.
LAM is a left hand hold used for arrivals from the North East
BIG is a right hand hold used for aircraft from the South East
BNN is a right hand hold used for arrivals from the North West
OCK is a right hand hold used for arrivals from the South West
These stacks help keep traffic clear of the rest of the LTMA (London Terminal Manoeuvring Area).
ATC should descend aircraft through the stacks as much as possible, maintaing 1000ft or 5nm separation at all times. 220kts command should be given before an aircraft approaches the hold. When an aircraft reaches FL70, it should be instructed to fly downwind heading, though these can vary from 10-30 degrees off depending on traffic levels and sequencing with the other stacks.
On base leg, turn heading 360 or turn heading 180 (depending on the direction of travel) and a speed command of 180 knots should be issued regardless of traffic. Traffic should also be 4000ft on the north side of base if on 27L/R.
A 30 degree intercept should be given when needed, and once established speed command of 160kts until 4 DME ( Miles away from landing) should be issued, before a handover to the tower frequency.
It is incredibly rare STARs will change from these 4, so for realism do try and use one of those, and when operating RWP (real world procedures) IFATC should be using these.
In terms of approaches ILS is commonplace however GPS (Called RNAV in the UK) is becoming more popular, but all approaches will fly through the stack system.
Onto departures;
All SIDs on IF are used in real life,
However if a departure frequency is in use you must not climb above 6000ft ASL without clearance from departure.
It is important and mandatory to stick to a SID as to avoid conflict from other operating airports.
Onto EGLC:
London City will always use the same direction of runway as EGLL, runway changes need to be co-ordinated with both airports in order to happen.
Arrivals into London City must file a STAR. This will take them to the Eastern side of the airfield around the side of the EGLL traffic. The most common approach type is an RNAV transition , or GPS - though vectors may also be given.
The most common STAR is one routing through JACKO or CLN Clacton.
It is uncommon for aircraft to hold arriving to EGLC, traffic is not high and speed control should be enough to suffice without the need for holding, however there are holds available for use.
CLN and DET are both left hand holds.
SPEAR and ALKIN are also available as right hand holds from 4000ft - FL70.
ATPEV is also a hold available for use, this is used during runway changes and/ if the runway is unavailable as it is far down the transition. This is a left hand hold below 4001ft and a right hand hold above 4001ft. Aircraft should fly the transition at speed of 210 knots unless directed otherwise. ATC (Thames Radar) should allow the aircraft to follow the transition, giving commands when necessary and focusing separation on speed. Once established on finals, no speed command is needed and a contact tower should be issued.
Departing EGLC it is important to not climb above 3000ft ASL without approval from Departure, if open.
If not open it is recommended to give EGLL Departure or Approach a check in to ensure you are avoiding other traffic. It is mandatory you file a SID when departing EGLC to avoid conflict.
Hopefully this guide will help us at IFATC to open both airports at the same time! Please remember although we cannot stop flights between the two, as they do happen as repositioning flights, it will most certainly hinder traffic levels and is not recommended.
If anyone has anything to add to the guide I am more than willing to take feedback!