As many of you know, managing traffic as an IFATC controller can be challenging, especially during busy times when we have dozens of aircraft inbound to a single airport. One of the biggest issues we face is the wide range of speeds pilots fly during approach. Some are coming in at 300 knots, while others are flying at 250 knots or slower, making it extremely difficult to sequence aircraft efficiently.
Why This Matters:
In real-world aviation, pilots follow speed restrictions published on Standard Terminal Arrival Routes (STARs) and other arrival charts. These restrictions ensure that aircraft arrive in a smooth, predictable flow, maintaining safe separation and allowing controllers to manage traffic effectively.
In Infinite Flight, while we do not yet have an automated system to enforce these restrictions, it is crucial that pilots familiarize themselves with the speed constraints on arrival charts and do their best to adhere to them. By doing so, you help reduce the workload on controllers and make the entire approach process smoother and safer for everyone.
How It Helps Controllers:
Consistent Traffic Flow: When everyone follows the same speed restrictions, it’s easier for controllers to sequence aircraft, maintain safe separation, and avoid last-minute instructions that can lead to confusion or delays.
Reduced Workload: With pilots adhering to the published speeds, controllers don’t need to constantly issue speed adjustments, allowing them to focus on other critical tasks like vectoring and altitude assignments.
Safer Operations: Consistent speeds reduce the risk of in-air conflicts, go-arounds, and missed approaches, ensuring a safer and more orderly arrival process.
Mini Tutorial: How to Find and Follow Speed Restrictions:
Access the Arrival Chart: Before starting your descent, access the arrival chart for your destination airport. These can be found on third-party websites such as Navigraph, or apps like ForeFlight.
Look for Speed Restrictions: On the STAR, look for speed restrictions indicated by “250K” (meaning 250 knots) or specific speeds listed at waypoints. These restrictions typically appear next to altitude constraints.
Plan Your Descent: Set your autopilot or manually adjust your speed to ensure you’re adhering to these restrictions as you approach each waypoint.
Stay Alert for ATC Instructions: If ATC gives you a different speed instruction, follow that, but otherwise, stick to the charted speeds.
Check the Arrival Charts: Before starting your descent, review the STAR or arrival chart for your destination airport. Look for any speed restrictions and plan your approach accordingly.
Stick to the Published Speeds: Do your best to follow the speed restrictions unless ATC instructs you otherwise. This will help keep traffic flowing smoothly and make the job easier for controllers.
Until we have a more advanced system in place within Infinite Flight to handle speed restrictions automatically, your cooperation is essential. By following the published speeds, you’re not only improving your own flight experience but also contributing to the overall efficiency and safety of the airspace.
Thank you for your attention and commitment to making Infinite Flight as realistic and enjoyable as possible!
See you in the skies and smooth landings,
Jose_Oscana
IFATC Controller
A lot of people don’t know how to read these… this is a mobile game be a little lenient you are able to instruct the aircraft on there speed if it is massively away from where it should be.
Edit: If auto throttle did it great, I agree but since it doesn’t…
I feel that the expert server should be reserved for pilots to simulate operations to the highest degree. SID’s and STAR’s are easier to read than an approach plate, and I think an expectation should be set considering it’s called the “expert” server.
Reading speed restrictions on arrival charts is straightforward, with speeds clearly marked next to waypoints like “250KTS.” This request is aimed at Expert Server pilots who value realism. Following these restrictions helps maintain smooth traffic flow and reduces the need for ATC speed adjustments, enhancing the experience for everyone.
But there used to be an expectation, not anymore. If it was now what it used to be I would totally agree but we can’t expect people to follow this rule with the current state of the server.
People who really value realism already do this. I don’t think we can really tell everyone to follow this. If you want realism great but they already do this.
You’re right that many realism-focused pilots already follow speed restrictions, but this request aims to improve consistency across the Expert Server. Encouraging all pilots to adhere to these restrictions will help streamline operations and reduce ATC workload, ensuring a better experience for everyone.
The “expert” server is filled with many people that do not follow realism/do very very stupid things. It has been mentioned countless times from people in the community. I am quite frankly surprised you don’t know.
I get where you’re coming from, but even if it’s not widely followed yet, promoting the use of arrival charts can help set a higher standard for everyone. It’s about making the Expert Server experience as realistic and efficient as possible for all participants.
Tbf I just got back into IF after a couple years but from what I’ve seen majority of the pilots on the expert server seem to be fine. Then again I’m sure there’s instances of stupidity I just have yet to seen it for myself. Imo that still shouldn’t change expectations of simulating realism but I understand where you’re coming from
I get what you’re saying. I know not everyone on the Expert Server always follows the rules, and it can be frustrating. That’s why I’m strict about ghosting pilots who don’t follow procedures. I’m committed to pushing for better standards and making the experience as realistic as possible for everyone.
Encouraging the use of real charts is a small step that enhances realism without negatively impacting your experience. It’s a straightforward change that complements other improvements and helps make the simulation better overall. Not sure how anyone would be bothered by this.
These aircraft would be using a different STAR, so ideally that. Some charts will say “jet aircraft only”.
IFATC can only enforce rules that are in the manual, so no. OP isn’t saying they want it enforced, or that everyone must do it, just promoting the idea.
