ZLA Arrival Pilot Notes
We want everyone to have fun and enjoy a smooth flight tonight. To do that, we all need to be on the same page about the basics. When everyone does their part, it means fewer delays and makes it more enjoyable. As always, if you are unsure of something or unsure that you can execute a procedure you have been assigned, let us know! We're happy to explain (if there's time) or work out something better.
Example: If you're unsure how to fly a departure, it's better you get a vector an an altitude to fly rather than flying the departure incorrectly and causing a conflict. If you're on the ground and have a question, ask your ground controller if he has a minute to explain.
ATIS:
First things first! Before you taxi or before you call SoCal approach, be sure you have checked the ATIS. It has all the information you need about weather, landing and departing runways and anything else pertinent to your flight. When you have checked the ATIS, you save yourself unnecessary time on the frequency asking for runways or altimeters or what approaches are in use. (Yes, you really do sound silly when you ask what the landing runway is when it's clearly given to you in the ATIS.)
Before taxing: "Palm Springs ground, N445AB ready to taxi with information bravo."
On initial contact with SoCal Approach: "SoCal approach, N445AB, 8,000 descending with information foxtrot." (Remember: we need the exact altitude you see on your altimeter, not the altitude you are assigned.)
Boom. Done.
BUR Departures:
Pay special attention to the SLAPP1 (turbojet) and VVERA1 (turboprop) departures. These are hybrid departures, which means you will receive RADAR VECTORS. Note the initial heading. If you depart runway 8 or 15, you are to turn right heading 210 and maintain the altitude you received in your clearance. Do NOT turn direct to any fix until cleared. ATC has to keep you separated from other arrivals in the area, so it is very important to follow the departure instructions to the tee. Turning direct to the first fix without a clearance puts you directly in conflict with arrivals.
BUR Arrivals:
Expect to get a "descend via the JANNY3 arrival" clearance from LA Center. Remember, this means you are to descend to meet the altitude and speed restrictions published on the arrival. If you cannot for some reason, just let us know.
Remember, if you have not received any further instruction from ATC, after WABBT, maintain 6,000 on a 201 degree track. Do NOT continue descending or turn direct KBUR.
If ATC says to expect a visual approach, keep an eye out for the preceding aircraft and/or both VNY and BUR airports.
PSP Departures:
Look closely at the CATHEDRAL ONE (CATH1) departure. PSP is in a valley surrounded by mountains. This departure specifically serves to climb you up to an altitude at which you can safely avoid the mountains. If you're departing runway 31L/R, fly heading 310 until crossing the PSP VORTAC 268 radial, then turn right direct PSP. Then continue your climb on PSP R-104 to EMRUD, then turn right direct PSP.
Look at the minimum crossing altitudes chart at the top. V370 has a minimum altitude of 6,200. This means if your route is CATH1.PSP V370 TNP, then you can proceed via V370 to TNP after PSP (after EMRUD) once you are at or above 6,200.
If you are NOT at or above the MCA by the time you reach PSP, then continue in the holding pattern depicted while climbing.
PSP Arrivals:
If you're arriving on the SBONO1 arrival, expect to get "cross CLOWD at and maintain 11,000 at 250 knots" from LA Center. Once handed to SoCal, expect to receive vectors for a visual approach.
