Readback: January 2015

The last question on Octobers Killer Quiz asks at what altitude you must leave the MPV VOR. Youve departed on the ODP, which says to cross MPV at or above 3500 feet before proceeding on course. But, the scenario is that youre entering an ILS 17 feeder route from MPV, and that altitude is 5900 to the IAF at TJAYS. You said its required to cross MPV at 5900 (answer c). I disagree.

Editorial Staff

Monday, December 15, 2014 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

When transitioning from an ODP to an approach, strict legal compliance dictates adhering to the higher altitude specified by the approach chart (e.g., 5900 ft at MPV) rather than a lower ODP altitude, as approach procedures are designed for specific operational contexts.
Pilot reroutes, particularly around busy airspace like New York, are often mandated by Letters of Agreement between ATC facilities and depend on aircraft equipment capabilities (e.g., RNAV-capable aircraft are assigned specific T-routes via LAAYK).
Many real-world ATC decisions, such as determining traffic sequence, are subjective judgment calls for controllers, influenced by factors like waiting time, active runway use, and the nature of pilot requests.

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How High Is Safe, Legal?
The last question on October’s Killer Quiz asks at what altitude you must leave the MPV VOR. You’ve departed on the ODP, which says to cross MPV at or above 3500 feet before proceeding on course. But, the scenario is that you’re entering an ILS 17 feeder route from MPV, and that altitude is 5900 to the IAF at TJAYS. You said it’s required to cross MPV at 5900 (answer c). I disagree. The ODP contains no course restrictions with that altitude. An aircraft may proceed direct anywhere after it has crossed the VOR at or above 3500 feet and should continue to climb as required. The correct answer (d) is to cross MPV at or above 3500 feet as specified by the ODP, and continue climbing to 5900 per the feeder route on the ILS. After all, if I weren’t flying the ILS, but simply filed MPV TJAYS and on, that’s what I’d do.

Daniel Herr
Murray Hill, NJ