Arrival and departure sequencing

An approach sequence is a coordinated plan

An expected time does not replace an approach clearance.

Sequence and priority

The first aircraft reaching a holding fix normally receives the lowest available level, with subsequent aircraft above, subject to priority. Emergencies, medical or other specified priorities can alter the order. A pilot electing to hold for better weather should inform ATC; later aircraft may be allowed to approach if separation and the procedure permit.

Expected approach time is the time ATS expects the aircraft to leave a holding fix to complete its approach following a delay. Issue and revise it as required; acknowledge it when required. It is not a clearance to descend or leave the hold in ordinary radio contact. In communications failure the last received and acknowledged EAT has a specific role in the failure procedure.

Visual approach and runway suitability

ATC can initiate a visual approach only under the prescribed conditions including the pilot’s agreement; the crew needs the required visual reference and ability to complete the approach. An IFR visual approach retains applicable ATC separation from other arrivals/departures, except a specifically accepted own-separation arrangement under its conditions.

The pilot may refuse a runway or take-off direction that is unsuitable because of wind, performance or other safety factors and request another. Noise, traffic, runway availability and weather can justify a runway other than directly into wind; the PIC still assesses acceptability. If unfamiliar with a procedure, obtain the required detail; final-track information alone is suitable only when the conditions and pilot’s agreement permit it.

A landing and a take-off cannot use the same runway arbitrarily

Runway occupancy, approach position and wake are separate constraints.

Runway movement protection

An aircraft landing or in the final stages of approach normally has priority over one intending to depart. Before a following departure starts, the preceding movement must satisfy the applicable runway-separation criteria; a landing aircraft normally must not cross the threshold until the preceding departure has cleared the runway end or started the required turn, or preceding landing traffic has vacated, unless approved reduced runway separation applies.

For a departure relative to an arrival on a procedural approach, the prescribed time/position criteria apply; a familiar example requires take-off at least three minutes before the arrival is estimated over the beginning of an instrument runway under the stated conditions. Surveillance and approved local reduced-runway arrangements can differ. Never use that example as a universal permission when an aircraft is on short final.

Information at each stage

Before approach, pass runway/approach, weather, conditions and essential traffic information as appropriate. At final approach commencement and during final, transmit significant changes, hazards, runway status and relevant wind/visibility/RVR information promptly. Departures need significant take-off/climb-out weather changes without delay, including windshear and significant surface-wind changes.

The timing serves a decision: a last-minute runway obstruction or windshear report can invalidate a previously acceptable landing or take-off. A landing clearance does not remove the pilot’s duty to go around if unsafe.

Can you apply the rules?

Four original questions. Choose from the facts, then review the explanation.