You can't do that, such shortcut would be illegal. In this case you must overfly PJM because it is your IAF (initial approach fix). If TNCM had some approach radar service then it is possible to get vectored straight for the final approach course however like I said - you would need controller's/radar help. Pilot(self-navigation) flown approach requires that you start with PJM.

Why he can't fly straight-in if he is flying VOR Z approach for RWY 10?Let's say he is flying via A638 GABUL (from NW) and then following arrival to ULUBA which is IF/IAF for VOR Z RWY 10 approach. Also, there is ULUBA 1 arrival which can be used for straight-ins.Edit: I have feeling that these procedures are quite new for PJM? I mean VOR Z and ULUBA 1.

I have to admit that I always fly the RNAVs into TNCM, and then straight in... coming in from the West (TJSJ) or NW (KMIA/KATL/KJFK/KORD and so on)...Love slamming, sorry gliding the MD-11 onto the short runway in paradise!:(

Why he can't fly straight-in if he is flying VOR Z approach for RWY 10?

I don't have this chart so I can't say. The only chart I easily found on the net for TNCM was VOR/DME Rwy 9. If you direct me to the other chart I will be able to render my opinion.

The only TNCM charts I can find are for VOR approaches for Rwy 9 (now designated Rwy 10)...but the MD-11 FMS (and thus presumably the Navigraph data) offer a ULUBA 1 STAR for this runway -- no VOR, no radials -- just a straight in approach that does happen to coincide with PJM's 096 radial. So what's right in terms of proper procedure (...other than to Land :( )?

I don't have this chart so I can't say. The only chart I easily found on the net for TNCM was VOR/DME Rwy 9. If you direct me to the other chart I will be able to render my opinion.

Found these and seems that they are accurate.http://www.k-hemmer.at/IVAO_AN/TNCM_SID_STAR.pdf

Found these and seems that they are accurate.http://www.k-hemmer.at/IVAO_AN/TNCM_SID_STAR.pdf

Brilliant, thanks!

but the MD-11 FMS (and thus presumably the Navigraph data) offer a ULUBA 1 STAR for this runway -- no VOR, no radials -- just a straight in approach that does happen to coincide with PJM's 096 radial. So what's right in terms of proper procedure (...other than to Land :( )?

No, these are arrivals (STAR), not approaches.OK, now I see VOR-Z rwy 10 approach plate. It looks like a good one - offers you conveniently located ULUBA as IAF.But these charts unfortunately are ambiguous. I see number of contradictions - the comment: proceed directly to PJM...then track R-276 outbound for the VOR-Z runway 10 approach ... contradicts later instructions for arrivals from GOUDA, DANDE, etc. I suspect that in most cases you would be vectored for R-276 and don't need to fly to PJM. You would needa Jeppesen chart for better understanding of these arrivals.

I think that has been mentioned but not clearly (enough). When you are preforming non-precision approach the MDA is used. Explaining the MDA, I think you know well what this is, but you should be carefuly using it. You should NEVER cross MDA if you don't have runway in sight, so stay, let's say 100ft above, for safety. If you cross MDA during the IFR check (at least in the airline where their training is most familiar to me) you fail. It's diferent with precision approaces and DA, though. At precision approach you, when reacing DA, look out if the runway is in sight. If not, you must execude missed approach.Regards,Aljaz Prislan

Absolutely valid points. Folks should be aware of big difference between MDA and DA. Also someone above mentioned 'DH' - the letter H stands for 'height' and this always refers to height above runway or touchdown zone, the letter 'A' refers always to altitude and this in relation to sea level (barometric altitude). DA is always used for all precision approaches except Cat II/III. For ILS Cat II/III approaches you would always see DH (not DA) since this is based on radar altimeter which measures height above terrain.

The very last procedure in those charts http://www.k-hemmer.at/IVAO_AN/TNCM_SID_STAR.pdfis the VOR-Z rwy 10.which allows you to track directly from various airways (L461 A638 B520 R760 A516 A517) straight into the 10DME Arc to then join the 096 radial Of course, given good enough weather, you could ask to do a nice tight visual circuit like this (at another airport entirely)

Regardless, at some point you have to turn the autopilot off and actually use that Joystick you paid for so long ago but don't use nearly enough ;)Regards, Trent H

Regardless, at some point you have to turn the autopilot off and actually use that Joystick you paid for so long ago but don't use nearly enough ;)Regards, Trent H

LOL...too true. Ironically, until last month, I was strictly into FSX GA aircraft and warbirds that I flew manually (mostly) until I was persuaded a month ago to try one of the big rigs by a fellow VA pilot. Being the masochist that I am, I picked the PMDG MD-11 and have been having too much fun with it. And I do love my BAe J4100 too.