6.standard-terminal-arrival-stars. Standard Terminal Arrival Routes (STARs)
A Standard Terminal Arrival Route (STAR) is a preplanned IFR ATC arrival procedure published in graphic and textual form for pilot use. STARs provide a transition from the en route structure to a fix or point from which an approach can be made. Their purpose is to simplify clearance delivery procedures, reduce frequency congestion, decrease pilot/controller workload, and standardize the flow of arriving traffic into busy terminal areas.
STARs are published in the FAA's Terminal Procedures Publications (TPP) alongside instrument approach charts, and are also depicted in commercial chart products such as Jeppesen. Each STAR is identified by a name and a computer code (e.g., the ACITY THREE ARRIVAL might carry the code ACITY3). The numeric suffix is the revision number; it increments each time the procedure is amended, so pilots must verify they have the current version.
Components of a STAR
A typical STAR chart contains:
- Transitions — named en route entry points (often a VOR, intersection, or RNAV waypoint) that funnel traffic from various directions onto the common arrival.
- Common (basic) route — the segment flown by all aircraft regardless of transition.
- Mandatory, expected, or recommended altitudes at named fixes. These may be depicted as crossing restrictions (e.g., "Cross JANEY at and above 11,000").
- Speed restrictions (e.g., "Cross BAMBE at 250 KIAS").
- Courses, distances, and minimum en route altitudes between fixes.
- Communication frequencies for the appropriate ATC facilities.
- A textual narrative describing the procedure, including lost-communication instructions where applicable.
RNAV STARs and Descent Procedures
Many modern STARs are RNAV STARs, requiring area navigation equipment (typically GPS or DME/DME/IRU) and may carry the title RNAV ARRIVAL. A subset are Optimized Profile Descents (OPDs), designed so the aircraft can descend in a near-idle, continuous path from cruise to the final approach environment, saving fuel and reducing emissions and noise.
STARs may include Descend Via clearances. When ATC issues "Descend via the ACITY THREE arrival," the pilot is authorized to descend at pilot's discretion while complying with all published lateral path, altitude, and speed restrictions on the procedure. If ATC assigns an altitude that is not on the procedure, the controller must restate any restrictions that still apply (e.g., "Descend via the ACITY THREE arrival except maintain 12,000").
Acceptance and Refusal
If an arrival route is to be flown, the pilot should request that route in the Route of Flight block of the IFR flight plan using the STAR's computer code. ATC may also assign a STAR even if not requested. Per the Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM 5−4−1), acceptance of a STAR clearance requires the pilot to have at least the textual description of the procedure on board.
If a pilot does not wish to use a STAR, they must indicate "NO STAR" in the remarks section of the flight plan, or advise ATC verbally. ATC may still assign one, in which case the pilot may refuse it and request alternate routing — but this can result in delays.
Pilot Responsibilities
When cleared for a STAR, the pilot must:
- Have the current chart or textual description in the cockpit.
- Read back any altitude, speed, or crossing restrictions issued or republished by ATC.
- Comply with all published and issued restrictions, even on a Descend Via clearance.
- Maintain the last assigned altitude until cleared to descend, and the last assigned speed until a published or assigned speed change applies. Pilots should query ATC if any restriction is unclear.
- Report leaving any assigned altitude per AIM reporting requirements.
Example
Assume an aircraft inbound to KPHX is cleared: "N123AB, descend via the EAGUL SIX arrival, landing south." The pilot is now responsible for descending so as to cross each fix at its published altitude window and speed. If ATC later says, "Descend and maintain 10,000," all published restrictions are canceled below the last fix the aircraft has crossed — but ATC will typically restate any restriction (e.g., "...cross HOMRR at 11,000") that must still be honored.
Charting and Currency
STAR charts are revised on the standard 56-day FAA charting cycle. Always check the effective date in the chart margin and cross-check the procedure's revision number against the one issued in your clearance. An outdated chart is not acceptable for IFR use.
STARs, like Standard Instrument Departures (SIDs), are a cornerstone of the National Airspace System's terminal-area efficiency. Mastery of how to brief, load, fly, and exit a STAR — particularly under a Descend Via clearance — is a core instrument competency.