BY ORDER OF THE SECRETARY OF THE AIR FORCE AIR FORCE ...

AFMAN 11-217V1 3 JANUARY 2005 259
(departing and assigned), and altimeter settings; and comply with controller
instructions.
11.7.2. Orientation. Remain oriented in relation to the final approach fix by using
available navigation aids. Have the printed IAP available for the approach to be flown.
Note the minimum sector, or emergency safe altitudes. Start the before-landing checklist
(landing check), review approach minimums, and determine the approximate initial rate
of descent required on final approach. Be prepared to fly the approach when cleared by
the controller. Once you receive approach clearance, maintain the last assigned
altitude and heading until established on a segment of a published routing or IAP. Use
normal lead points to roll out on course. Then use any available means (such as DME,
crossing radials, or radar) to accurately determine your position. From that point, comply
with all course and altitude restrictions as depicted on the approach procedure except that
you must not climb above the last assigned altitude to comply with published altitude
restrictions unless so instructed by the controlling agency. Establish final approach
configuration and airspeed prior to the FAF (unless flight manual procedures require
otherwise).
11.7.3. Maneuvering. If maneuvering is required to lose excess altitude prior to the FAF,
obtain a clearance from the controlling agency. Descent maneuvering may include
execution of a procedure turn, descent in a published holding pattern, additional radar
vectors, or other such maneuver.
11.7.3.1. CAUTION: If at any time there is doubt as to whether adequate obstacle
clearance is provided, or controller instructions are unclear, query the controller. The
controller should inform you if radar contact is lost and give a new clearance or
instructions. If you are advised that radar contact is lost and there is a delay in
receiving new instructions, ask the controller for a new clearance or advise the
controller of your intentions. (This is particularly important if below minimum
sector, or emergency safe altitude.)
11.8. Standard Terminal Arrivals (STARs).
11.8.1. Definition. A STAR is an ATC coded IFR arrival route established for
assignment to arriving IFR aircraft for certain airports. The purpose of a STAR is to
simplify clearance delivery procedures and facilitate transition between enroute and
instrument approach procedures.
11.8.1.1. STARs can be based on conventional NAVAIDS or RNAV. For all
STARs, follow the guidance in the following paragraphs. For RNAV-specific
procedures, see paragraphs 11.8.1.2.
11.8.1.1.1. Mandatory Speeds and/or Altitudes. Some STARs may have
mandatory speeds and/or crossing altitudes published. Some STARs have
planning information depicted to inform pilots what clearances or restrictions to
“expect.” “Expect” altitudes/speeds are not considered STAR restrictions until
verbally issued by ATC. They are published for planning purposes and should
not be used in the event of lost communications unless ATC has specifically
advised the pilot to expect these altitudes/speeds as part of a further clearance.
Additionally, STARs will normally depict MEAs. MEAs are not considered