Could anybody explain or point me towards a resource about how SIDs and STARs are used and assigned in the real world? When do pilots know which STAR and approach they will be using? Does this information come mid-flight, or are STARs planned from the beginning? Definitive answeres for aspects of these procedures seem difficult to find.Thanks,Alden

Alden,Good ?. I don't know that there's a document available that'd nail specifics. PP would know (this is right down his allley).As a controller, I'll tell you what I do know...DPs are assigned by Clearance Delivery. I would think airlines know what's coming so they file their flights with that DP.STARs are also filed by company, most of the time anyway. If I see a flight that needs a STAR not having filed one, he'll get it from me enroute. If I see a flight having filed a STAR, where I see another is more logical and/or might save him time, I'll offer it enroute.There are no "rules", in the States anyway. You're free to file what you wish, which of course doesn't mean that's what you'll end up flying. I see Kxxx-KTEB, or Kxxx-KEWR flights every week having filed direct. Ain't gonna happen, sorry :). They're on a prefered routing before they leave my airspace. All depends on where you're going, time of day (or night) etc.Like tonight on the 'mid' shift... Fed Ex, DHL, ABX and UPS will request (and get) direct routings we'd never dream of approving during daylight hours. 'Course it's 4:00a local.Hope this helps!

helps in a big way! makes much more sense now - helps to have an actual controller provide some answers. :)Thanks!Alden

Helped me too - thanks for the clear description.I have a side question - does anyone know of a really good clear tutorial/explanation of approach plates. There are several on the web which I have not found very helpful. Thought there might be something at Vatsim but can find nothing.ThanksBill

Bill--Try this link. If this doesn't answer your questions, let me know. I'm a real-world Instrument Instructorand would be glad to help.Walthttp://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/6912/appmain.htm

Thanks very much for the link Walt. That is just what I wanted.I had seen that somewhere else last week but it seemed to be linked to another site but the links did not work. Consequently one could click away like mad and nothing happened. :-hmmm

It helped me a lot too.I am not a pilot, I am a Trauma Surgeon, but more and more I become richer with knowledge from you guysThanks, Walt to you and to many others who loose time to answer some dumb question of mineEduardo