Skip to main content

Descent and Approach Procedures on VATSIM

As you commence your descent towards the destination airport, adherence to proper procedures and effective communication with air traffic control (ATC) is essential. Below are guidelines for navigating the descent and approach phases on VATSIM:

Transition from Center to Approach:

  1. Top of Descent (TOD) Instructions:

    • As you approach the Top of Descent, the Center controller will issue either a 'descend via' instruction, instructing you to follow published procedures, or provide specific altitudes for descent.

    • Example 'Descend Via' Instruction:

"UAL1179, descend via the DRLLR5 arrival, the Houston altimeter, 29.81."
  1. Handoff to Approach:

    • When nearing a certain altitude, the Center controller will instruct you to contact Approach.

    • Format for Approach Check-In:

[Controller ID], [Your Callsign] descending [current altitude] for [assigned altitude], Information [ATIS]" OR "descending via [STAR name], Information [ATIS].
  • Example Check-In:
"Houston Approach, UAL1179 descending through 10,000 for 3,000, Information Echo."
  1. ATIS Verification:
    • Prior to approach handoff, ensure you have the current ATIS information for your destination airport. This is crucial for selecting the correct approach runway and verifying the arrival procedure endpoint.

Approach Clearances:

  1. Approach Information:

    • Approach will respond with the current altimeter setting and the expected approach procedure.

    • Example Response:

"UAL1179, Houston Approach, expect ILS 26R, the Houston altimeter, 29.81."
  1. Final Approach Clearance:

    • As you near the final approach corridor, Approach will issue your final approach clearance, including position, turn, altitude, and the overall approach clearance.

    • Example Final Approach Clearance:

"UAL1179, 6 miles from CHUBS, turn right heading 240, maintain 3,000 until established on the localizer, cleared ILS 26R approach."
  1. Readback Procedure:

    • Read back the turn, altitude, and clearance components of the approach clearance.

    • Example Readback:

"Turn right heading 240, maintain 3000 until established, cleared ILS 26R."

Handoff to Tower:

  1. Handoff from Approach to Tower:

    • Approach will hand you off to the Tower controller sometime before reaching the final approach fix.

  2. Acknowledgment and Contact with Tower:

    • Acknowledge the handoff and make contact with the Tower controller for further instructions.

By diligently following these procedures and maintaining effective communication, you contribute to the realism and efficiency of VATSIM airspace management, ensuring a safe and enjoyable virtual flight experience.

Back to top