Flight Training Instruction - Cnatra - U.S. Navy

800. INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER EIGHT
TERMINAL PROCEDURES
The most challenging phase of any sortie normally takes place in the terminal area. The keys to
successful terminal area-operations are to stay ahead of the aircraft, maintain constant situational
awareness, and KNOW THE PROCEDURES.
801. AUTOMATIC TERMINAL INFORMATION SYSTEM (ATIS)
About 100 NM away from the destination or drop-in airfield, get the current Automatic Terminal
Information System (ATIS)/Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS)/Automated Weather
Observation System (AWOS) and check it against the approach weather minimums. Normally,
you will check ATIS on one radio while monitoring the ATC frequency on the other radio (i.e.,
use VHF for ATIS and UHF for ATC).
802. DESCENT CHECKLIST
After initiating descent into the terminal area or establishing contact with the destination
Approach Control, perform the Descent Checklist.
803. STANDARD TERMINAL ARRIVALS
General. Efficiently transitioning an aircraft from the enroute phase of flight to the instrument
approach phase of flight.
Description. A Standard Terminal Arrival Route (STAR) is an ATC coded IFR arrival route
established for application to arriving IFR aircraft destined for more busy airports. The purpose
is to simplify clearance delivery procedures and facilitate transition between enroute and
instrument approach procedures. It is important to note the clearance given. A clearance of
“descend via XYZ STAR” will required the pilot to meet the altitude restrictions on the STAR.
A clearance of “fly the XYZ STAR” requires the pilot to fly the depicted route but maintain
assigned altitudes.
Procedure. STARs may be flown off of traditional NAVAIDs or by use of GPS navigation.
1. GPS
a. Load the STAR into the FMS.
b. Select FMS as the NAV source.
c. Review the STAR.
TERMINAL PROCEDURES 8-1