Specific Approach Types in ATIS
Hiya, folks!
I hope everyone is doing well!
As many of you know, there are only select options that a controller can select in the ATIS on Expert Server. These include, but are not limited to, runways in use, recommend SIDs and STARs, etc. While most of these options are sufficient, there is something essential missing—specific approach types.
Let me explain.
Approach Types in a Real ATIS
In the real world, when a specific approach is in use, at least in the U.S., this information will be conveyed in the ATIS. For instance, the Stadium Visual at Newark.
If you’re from the New York area, specifically New Jersey, you’ve most likely heard of the Stadium Visual at Newark Airport (EWR/KEWR). If you haven’t, I’ve outlined the essential aspects of this approach.
The Stadium Visual, by definition, is a visual procedure. It is, however, guided by an RNP. The approach is usually used when winds exceed the maximum requirements for Runway 22L arrivals. However, as of early June 2021, when Runway 4R/22L’s rehabilitation began, Runway 29 became an essential part of Newark’s operations. As of late, however, even after Runway 4R/22L’s restoration, Runway 29 has become a vital part of daily operations due to its increased efficiency in airport operations.
If the Stadium Visual is active, the PENNS TWO (PENNS2), PHLBO THREE (PHLBO3), SHAFF SEVEN (SHAFF7), and/or WILLIAMSPORT THREE (FQM3) STARs will be in use. Regardless of the STAR, the PHLBO Fix is the merge point (the only exception is if an aircraft is coming in on the SHAFF7). Once aircraft reach this Fix, they will be vectored right, heading 060°, and transferred to EWR Final Approach (125.500). A right turn to 060° will point an aircraft towards the ZENNS Fix. Once nearing ZENNS, usually around the FIGON Fix, ATC will issue a right turn, heading 100°. This is followed by a right turn, heading 120° to PATRN, and a right turn, heading 160° to the TEB VOR (or GIMEE Fix). At this point, the aircraft will be issued a heading of 220° and handed off to EWR Tower (118.300).
After the airport is reported to be in sight, the pilots are expected to cross the TEB VOR at 3,000 feet and turn right, heading 220° to GIMEE. If an aircraft were vectored and cleared at the GIMEE Fix, the aircraft would turn left, heading 190° to the SLIMR Fix. Aircraft must be at 2,500 by GIMEE.
Once established at GIMEE, regardless of where the IAP (Initial Approach Point) was, aircraft are expected to descend and maintain 1,500 feet until the SLIMR Fix. Upon reaching SLIMR, aircraft are expected to turn right, heading 240° towards the CHUMR Fix. Depending on the aircraft and its landing configuration, the aircraft should be making the final turn to Runway 29 at ~1,000 feet. Final checks are performed, and the aircraft will land.
Well, that’s the Stadium Visual in a nutshell. Now let’s get to how this could be implemented in Infinite Flight.
How Would This Work?
This part is a bit harder to explain, unfortunately. I’ll do my best, though! After all, it is my feature request. 😆
For those who are unfamiliar with what the ATIS selection menu looks like in Infinite Flight, here it is:
As you can see, there is no option to select a specific approach type to include.
What this could look like, though, is the following:
Evident in the image above are the available approaches that can be selected. For instance, the I22L (Runway 22L ILS) and the H29-Y (Runway 29 Stadium Visual) approaches.
Purpose
While some may think this would be a useless addition, which is fine, it could make a world of difference for those who like to control with realistic procedures and ensure that all pilots follow the same approach before they even call inbound. I, for example, mirror EWR’s operations whenever I control the New York airspace. The same goes for Ground and Tower.
The End :)
Thank you for making it this far! If you are on board with this, please drop a vote or a reply. Enjoy your day/night!
The second image was photoshopped and made by me for the sole purpose of this topic. Please avoid using the image elsewhere to avoid inaccurate or misleading information. Explicit permission from Tyler_Shelton was granted to use and edit the ATIS menu. Additionally, a special thanks to @Marina for encouraging me to make such a topic.