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Approach

The Approach controller guides traffic from the en route structure into the final approach. This phase includes following the STAR (Standard Terminal Arrival Route), descending to approach altitude, and being vectored onto final.

Preparation

  • Destination ATIS – obtain before contacting Approach (frequency on airport chart 10-9)
  • STAR chart – waypoints, altitude and speed restrictions
  • Approach chart – ILS or RNAV frequencies, decision altitude/height, missed approach procedure
  • Approach briefing completed – approach type, runway, go-around procedure, minimums

Initial Contact

Include the current ATIS identifier when checking in with Approach.

Pilot: "München Approach, Lufthansa 123, FL240, inbound ROKIL, information Delta."

ATC: "Lufthansa 123, München Approach, expect ILS approach runway 26L, descend FL120."

Pilot: "Expect ILS runway 26L, descend FL120, Lufthansa 123."

Descent

ATC controls the descent profile with altitude instructions. Speed adjustments may be given for sequencing.

Altitude

ATC: "Lufthansa 123, descend 5000 feet, QNH 1018."

Pilot: "Descend 5000 feet, QNH 1018, Lufthansa 123."

Set the QNH on the altimeter when passing the transition level (in Germany: FL70). Above the transition level, altitudes are given as flight levels; below, as feet on QNH.

Speed Control

ATC: "Lufthansa 123, reduce speed 220 knots."

Pilot: "Speed 220 knots, Lufthansa 123."

Speed instructions are used to build the landing sequence. They remain in effect until ATC cancels them or clears the approach.

Radar Vectors

Approach typically vectors traffic onto the final approach course.

ATC: "Lufthansa 123, turn left heading 220, descend 3000 feet."

Pilot: "Left heading 220, descend 3000 feet, Lufthansa 123."

Approach Clearance

ATC: "Lufthansa 123, turn right heading 260, cleared ILS approach runway 26L."

Pilot: "Right heading 260, cleared ILS approach runway 26L, Lufthansa 123."

Once cleared for the approach, intercept the localizer and follow the glideslope. The approach clearance authorizes descent on the published approach procedure.

Important

  • Set QNH when passing the transition level — correct altimeter setting is critical below
  • Cleared for approach means follow the published procedure — do not descend below the glideslope or published minimums
  • Altitude and speed restrictions on the STAR apply unless ATC explicitly cancels them
  • If unable to accept the assigned approach type or runway: say "unable" and request an alternative

What's next?

Approach hands off to Tower for landing: