PhilosopherPilot
Well-Known Member
http://flightaware.com/resources/airport/KRDU/STAR/all/pdf
This is more what I am talking about. The system will always keep you at the top of the restriction and GAZER is always at 9,000 feet. So to meet the restriction at HARSH would you make GAZER 8,000 hard and let the speed bleed off in the 3 miles without the boards or would you use the boards? You mentioned passenger comfort.
Well, first of all, 1/2 flight spoilers aren't uncomfortable, and spoilers are there to be used, but that's a whole other discussion.
The Boston KRANN to 27 is pretty much the same. In calm winds it will make the restriction and speed at a 2.7 degree descent angle. In higher winds you just change the angle to 2.5 or less, and it should all work out. It doesn't always go to the top of the constraint, as it all depends on the angle you choose. You have to think ahead and be aware of your energy state, and program the box accordingly.
Now, making GAZER hard at 8000 is fine in this case because it's the same altitude as the final altitude, but that's doing the exact same thing as changing the angle of descent. Making GAZER hard isn't what I'm talking about. That's the same as creating a PBD fix 5 miles prior to slow down. It's all technique, and fine. I'm critical of making the altitudes hard when there are descents further along. That makes the plane level off, then descend again for no reason other than misunderstanding the system.