What is the initial fix

[ark 1,288]

Hi Alex,

Thanks so much for the continued updates to LNM, especially the added SID, STAR and Approach procedures.

One thing I'm struggling a bit with is the terminology with procedures. For example, with ILS approaches,  what you call the initial fix may not be identified as an IAF (Initial Approach Fix) on the approach plate.  So I assume your use of the term initial fix is not necessarily the same as how IAF is used. Similarly, with STARs, I'm not quite sure how to interpret your use of the term initial fix as far as ATC terminology is concerned.

Thx,

Al

[albar965 1,041]

Hi Al,

The initial fix (or waypoint) is simply the beginning of a procedure or a procedure's transition and has no other meaning than that. They have nothing to do with the IAF.

Most but not all procedures start with an IF.

I could remove the IFs but these are sometimes associated with speed or altitude restrictions which would make things a bit more complicated for me.

If you're interested in the various procedure leg types you can Google for "ARINC 424 procedure terminators". Here is a good document.

You remind me that it would be a good idea to mark the IAF in the legs. Have to check if the information is available.

Alex

 

Edited December 17, 2017 by albar965
Split posts into a new topic

[ark 1,288]

On 12/17/2017 at 4:42 AM, albar965 said:

Hi Al,

The initial fix (or waypoint) is simply the beginning of a procedure or a procedure's transition and has no other meaning than that. They have nothing to do with the IAF.

Most but not all procedures start with an IF.

I could remove the IFs but these are sometimes associated with speed or altitude restrictions which would make things a bit more complicated for me.

If you're interested in the various procedure leg types you can Google for "ARINC 424 procedure terminators". Here is a good document.

You remind me that it would be a good idea to mark the IAF in the legs. Have to check if the information is available.

Alex

 

Alex,

I've been thinking a bit more about this. I do understand what you are saying but wonder if using a different term would reduce the possibility for confusion with ATC terminology. Perhaps something along the lines of  'Starting Fix (SF), First Fix (FF), Beginning Fix (BF), etc.  Just a 'new year' thought.

Thx,

Al

[albar965 1,041]

I have plans to highlight the IAF, FAF and the MAP in the flight plan table and on the map using a simple icon. That should make it clear.

Alex