When to choose STAR

[PilotGav 0]

I'm a bit confused in the flight planning process as to WHEN yo uwould normally choose a STAR.For example - the preferred route from KSFO to KLAX is V27 VTU V299 SADDE V107 LAXWhen would you choose the STAR to use? I would GUESS after you've received the ATIS?Gavinhttp://www.interprom.com/gavhttp://www.precisionmanuals.com/images/forum/800driver.jpgSpellink doesn't count!!

[crvm 0]

Well one can always input (plan on a certain approach and runway) and CHANGE if needed or wait until you are cleared prior to T/D. Offline I select it on the ground.[h4]Best Wishes,Randy J. Smithhttp://www.precisionmanuals.com/images/forum/betaimg.jpgAMD 64 3200+ | ASUS KV8 DELUXE | GFORCE 5700 ULTRA @535/1000 | Maxtor 6Y080M0 SATA 80 GIG | 512 DDR 400 | Windows Xp Pro | Windows Xp Pro 64 |

[Vulcan 14]

I agree with Randy's suggestion but a bit more information in case you are struggling with SID/STAR and route planning.Usually there is only one SID or STAR you can use once you know the runway in use and the direction you are going or coming from. However to know which to use you need the airport charts which are usually available from the relevant VATSIM web site. I guess you know that considering you quote a preferred route.Using your example above, and the charts I have for LAX (February 2004), there appears to be only one STAR, the SADDE SIX arrival.So you can plan for that STAR on the ground before you even take off.The chart gives speed and altitude clearances but I guess ATC would pull you off that STAR, maybe even before SADDE, if landing on 07.One of the problems with charts for busy airports is that they leave you suspended (sorry for the pun) at the end of the STAR with no obvious path to the IAF of the approach.If you look at the SADDE SIX chart and the approach charts for 07L or 07R you will see what I mean.Having said that you are still approaching LAX on the SADDE SIX STAR.How the built-in FS ATC handles such approaches I don't know as I usually fly with human controllers on VATSIM ;-)

[PilotGav 0]

Thanks Vulcan! Thats EXACTLY why I posted the questoin.I figured SADDE SIX was the only obvious STAR to plan - but runway 6L was in use. Going from the end of the STAR to 6L won't work.In the real workd - would SADDE SIX have even been concidered when planning?Gavinhttp://www.interprom.com/gavhttp://www.precisionmanuals.com/images/forum/800driver.jpgSpellink doesn't count!!

[Vulcan 14]

I can't speak for RL as I am only a virtual pilot but I would plan the SADDE SIX arrival and expect to be vectored off before the end of the STAR by ATC.With luck a RL pilot or a LAX controller will comment -Ernie?Often the description of a STAR contains better information but I don't have a description of the SADDE 6, not sure if it's available from the LAX VATSIM web site.If there was no ATC at LAX I would fly to SADDE and then the IAF of MERMA but ignore the altitudes shown on the SADDE 6 chart and make sure I was at 3,500ft and not faster than 180kts by MERMA.I do have a problem with the approach charts for rwys 6 & 7 though as the lead-ins to the IAF's appear to come from the South and not the North or West.I look forward to a definative reply.Dave