id: inbounds title: Inbounds meta: Techniques to handle inbound traffic when operating a tower facility within Infinite Flight. order: 3 #

Inbounds #

Pattern Entry, Sequence and Clearance #

In Infinite Flight the pattern altitude is 1000ft AAL (above aerodrome level) for prop aircraft, and 1500ft AAL for jet aircraft. It consists of multiple legs, each being joined by a 90 degree turn, and these are shown in the image below:

Pattern entries are key in making sure that pilots know where to join the pattern, and by doing so, promotes airport efficiency and good traffic management. Controllers can do this by imagining that each pattern leg continues to extend out, away from the airport. The leg that intersects with the aircraft’s flight path is usually the best option but Controllers may need to change this based on current traffic.

The art of sequencing allows controllers to let pilots know who they are supposed to be following and is not just to be used with aircraft in the pattern. All inbounds need to be told who they are following, unless of course they aren’t following anyone! For effective sequencing, it requires:

• both the controller and the pilot to have a knowledge of the different pattern legs
• the controller to issue sequencing in good time to keep the pilots informed
• the controller to update the sequencing when things change or don’t go to plan
• the pilots to be courteous to each other by giving each pilot the space they need to maneuver
• the pilots to follow the issued sequence

Tip

: When you’re on left downwind the airport will be on your left and when you’re on right downwind the airport will be on your right. The same thing applies for the crosswind and base leg of the traffic pattern

Manual

: When there is no Radar Controller present, Tower must{.red} issue a pattern entry and clearance to ALL{.red} aircraft as a MINIMUM{.red}, regardless of what the aircraft uses to check in on the Tower frequency - the use of sequencing will be dependent on traffic. More info?

@vimeo

Step 1

: When an aircraft calls inbound, the aircraft symbol will flash amber on the map as well as their callsign on the flight progress strip

Step 2

: Either tap the aircraft on the map (and then “Other Message”), or the flight progress strip to bring up the communication menu

Step 3

: Determine the pattern entry required, then tap “Pattern Instructions > [select Pattern Entry] > [select RWY] > Send”

Step 4

: Once the aircraft has been given a pattern entry (and sequence if not number 1), the aircraft can be cleared by tapping “Cleared to Land/For the Option > [select number] > [select Cleared to Land/Cleared for the Option] > [select RWY]”

Tip

: If the aircraft is not number 1, once you know which aircraft they are following, sequencing can be given by tapping “Sequencing… > [select number] > [select current position of traffic to follow]”

+++ SCENARIO - Multiple Inbounds

::: scenario-heading Scenario :::

::: scenario Multiple aircraft have just announced inbound but the Controller is unsure on what order to sequence them in. :::

{.scenario}

{.technique}

{.prosandcons}

{.technique}

{.prosandcons}

Tip

: Work from the inside out by making sure that all aircraft closest to the airport have been given a pattern entry, sequence (unless they are number 1) and clearance. Then progressively work your way out to all the other aircraft!

+++

Runway Changes #

Once a runway assignment has been issued, it would be ideal if we did not need to change it. However, by using all available runways, changing the assigned runway (if required) is a useful tool to help deal with a dynamic environment and promoting an efficient operation.

Manual

: If a runway change is issued, a new pattern entry and clearance must{.red} be given (the use of sequencing will be dependent on traffic). More info?

@vimeo

Step 1

: If an aircraft requests a runway change, the aircraft symbol will flash amber on the map as well as their callsign on the flight progress strip

Step 2

: Either tap the aircraft on the map (and then “Other Message”), or the flight progress strip to bring up the communication menu

Step 3

: If the Controller is unable to grant the request, tap “Unable”

Step 4

: If the Controller is able to approve the request, or if the Controller decides to issue a runway change without a request from the aircraft (e.g. due to traffic), determine the pattern entry required, then tap “Pattern Instructions > [select Pattern Entry] > [select RWY] > Send”

Step 5

: Once the aircraft has been given a pattern entry (and sequence if not number 1), the aircraft can be cleared by tapping “Cleared to Land/For the Option > [select number] > [select Cleared to Land/Cleared for the Option] > [select RWY]”

Tip

: If the aircraft is not number 1, once you know which aircraft they are following, sequencing can be given by tapping “Sequencing… > [select number] > [select current position of traffic to follow]”

+++ SCENARIO - Runway Changes

::: scenario-heading Scenario :::

::: scenario VP-MAX is departing RWY32L and I F A E Eleven is departing RWY32R. Both departures happened simultaneously. I F A E Eleven then asks for a RWY change to RWY32L. :::

{.scenario}

{.technique}

{.prosandcons}

{.technique}

{.prosandcons}

{.technique}

{.prosandcons}

Tip

: Remember that other variables (such as terrain) might influence what is the best technique to use on the day, be flexible!

+++

Cleared for the Option #

Manual

: If an aircraft is in the pattern “Cleared for the Option” must{.red} be used as it gives the pilot the option of a landing / touch & go / stop & go or low approach. More info?

@vimeo

Step 1

: When an aircraft calls inbound for touch & go’s, the aircraft symbol will flash amber on the map as well as their callsign on the flight progress strip

Step 2

: Either tap the aircraft on the map (and then “Other Message”), or the flight progress strip to bring up the communication menu

Step 3

: Determine the pattern entry required, then tap “Pattern Instructions > [select Pattern Entry] > [select RWY] > Send”

Step 4

: Once the aircraft has been given a pattern entry (and sequence if not number 1), the aircraft can be cleared by tapping “Cleared to Land/For the Option > [select number] > [select Cleared for the Option] > [select RWY] > [select send or make left/right traffic]”

Tip

: If the aircraft is not number 1, once you know which aircraft they are following, sequencing can be given by tapping “Sequencing… > [select number] > [select current position of traffic to follow]”