I recently updated my FMS and I dont understand some information. For example if my destination is KCLT (Charlotte Airport) and my designed runway is 36L, I put the runway in the FMS and then the FMS shows me the APPROACH list. I want to choose the ILS 36L but I don't know which one is... can someone please explain me which of them is the ILS 36L. I attached the FMS Approach list...

 

Also... If I select a random approach... the FMS shows me the Approach transition page.... how do I know which one to choose?

Thanks for the help :Peace:

Cryptic that is. But here's some help from another user who's name I don't remember.

Here is the list of the valid ARINC424 approach route types:

B = Loc/Backcourse approach

D = VORDME approach

F = Flight Management System (FMS) approach

G = Instrument Guidance System (IGS) approach

I = Instrument Landing System (ILS) approach

J = GNSS Landing System (GLS) approach

L = Localizer Only (LOC) approach

M = Microwave Landing System (MLS) approach

N = Non-Directional Beacon (NDB) approach

P = Global Positioning System (GPS) approach

Q = Non-Directional Beacon + DME (NDB+DME) approach

R = Area Navigation (RNAV) approach

S = VOR approach using VORDME/VORTAC

T = TACAN approach

U = Simplified Directional Facility (SDF) approach

V = VOR approach

W = Microwave Landing System (MLS), Type A approach

X = Localizer Directional Aid (LDA) approach

Y = Microwave Landing System (MLS), Type B and C approach

 

 

Now you have the designator for the landing system in use (e.g. I for ILS, R for RNAV), then the actual runway designator ('36L' or C for center) and then the letter for the 'variant' of the approach, means those Y and Z things. Their conditions and differences have to be read from the charts though.

 

So R18CZ is the RNAV approach on runway 18 Center and Z variant of it. That variant should be different on the navaids in use (NDB, VOR, DME readings) and/or the minimums and restrictions.

 

I36L is the ILS for the 36L.

 

the FMS shows me the Approach transition page.... how do I know which one to choose?

The transitions act as a funnel segment, so to speak. So one of them may be on your route or very close to it. The transition waypoints lead all the planes to the first one of the actual approach, so they sooner or later all end up flying the same route, as advised by ATC.

 

A (waypoint in the North)

|

|

v

waypoints (from A to the initial approach)

|

|

v

------> ------> fancy approach procedure to runway 36L

^

|

|

waypoints (from B to the initial approach)

^

|

|

B (maybe a VOR in the South)

 

Means the planes coming from the North could fly transition A, the ones from the South come in via B and they later all fly the one approach fitting the actual winds or operational procedures at the airport.

 

To pick the right one, you need charts or a nice program like Aivlasoft EFB, giving you an overview. The FMC will stay cryptic but your nav display may help choosing the right one too.

Your flight planning software may also help at an earlier stage since you can pick a route leading to or including a transition, saving you some time in the cockpit. At least as long as ATC plans the same way.

Which FMS? For what aircraft? The developer of the FMS may be able to explain the CY, CZ, LY, LZ, and RY designations at the end of each runway numbers. I looked on the Internet at the charts and see no such designations on the charts for Charlotte. It is confusing to me but personally, I would try one, see what happens, then try the other and see what the difference is.

 

Best regards,

Jim

 

I see CoolP has the probably solution!

He's definitely picked a big airport there. KCLT. Lots of runways.

Educated guess: I36L is the ILS rwy 36L approach, R36LY is the RNAV-Y rwy 36L, R36LZ is the RNAV-Z rwy 36L, R18CY is the RNAV-Y rwy 18C, etc.

Thanks to all for the help!

I

Educated guess: I36L is the ILS rwy 36L approach, R36LY is the RNAV-Y rwy 36L, R36LZ is the RNAV-Z rwy 36L, R18CY is the RNAV-Y rwy 18C, etc.

Isnt that what I mentioned in a way more simple fashion, assumed someone would way over complicate this :)