Thanks to direction from this forum, I have a good basic understanding of SIDS and STARS.  I use PFPX to plan flights, but have a practical issue of getting SIDS/STARS to connect to the runway.  Here is my workflow and some questions/comments - any help would be greatly appreciated:

 

·         Once I create my flight plan I export my route from PFPX.

·         I import the route into the CDU

·         Note - Nav data is updated

·         I choose the departure runway and a SID.  This usually provides an workable departure route – if not, I can play w/ different SIDS to find one that works.

·         I pick an arrival runway and a STAR. 

·         Typically, no matter which STAR I pick it either sends me all over the map and/or either bypasses the arrival runway.

·         I was under the impression that when you chose a departure/arrival runway it automatically picks SIDS/STARS that are compatible w/ that runway.

·         I have searched the net for information – but I can’t find somewhere who can explain which one you select and why?

·         I assume most folks have figured this out because if not I would think there would be more info out there about it - so I could be missing something really simple.

·         Then there are ‘transitions’ which typically complicates my already messing situation.

·         I have learned you can edit a route in PFPX and pick a SID/STAR, but again, since I don’t know why one is chosen over another it doesn’t help all that much.

 

Most STARs end at a fix after which radar vectors will be given- however some do continue to transition to a runway initial approach fix (See KLAX ILS's). 

 

You'll also notice that many SIDs are only to be used during certain runway use- using the wrong SID will definitely in this case make your navigation display look strange.

 

PFPX will select a SID/STAR based on the current winds, however when you export your flightplan to the NGX FMS, the SID/STAR will not be a part of that- you'll have to do that yourself. It should however, contain the initial enroute fix, as well as the final fix before the STAR. This is to account for any runway changes after your release has been delivered to you. Releases are usually created up to two hours before departure time- so a lot can change in the mean time!

 

 

I have searched the net for information – but I can’t find somewhere who can explain which one you select and why?

 

Routing is important to understand before you get to SIDs and STARs, which are just mini-routes, really.

 

First, you should watch this:

 

...and then watch this to better understand why SIDs/STARs exist (transitions aren't directly explained, but you should still be able to figure them out through inference):

As has been stated, SIDS and STARS mini routes used in busy TCA's to sequence traffic among other things. Some STARS will dovetail nicely with a particular approach. Many, however, don't. Regards