AIM Text
- This program is a continuing effort by the FAA to enhance safety, minimize the impact of aircraft noise and conserve aviation fuel. The enhancement of safety and reduction of noise is achieved in this program by minimizing low altitude maneuvering of arriving turbojet and turboprop aircraft weighing more than 12,500 pounds and, by permitting departure aircraft to climb to higher altitudes sooner, as arrivals are operating at higher altitudes at the points where their flight paths cross. The application of these procedures also reduces exposure time between controlled aircraft and uncontrolled aircraft at the lower altitudes in and around the terminal environment. Fuel conservation is accomplished by absorbing any necessary arrival delays for aircraft included in this program operating at the higher and more fuel efficient altitudes.
- A fuel efficient descent is basically an uninterrupted descent (except where level flight is required for speed adjustment) from cruising altitude to the point when level flight is necessary for the pilot to stabilize the aircraft on final approach. The procedure for a fuel efficient descent is based on an altitude loss which is most efficient for the majority of aircraft being served. This will generally result in a descent gradient window of 250-350 feet per nautical mile.
- When crossing altitudes and speed restrictions are issued verbally or are depicted on a chart, ATC will expect the pilot to descend first to the crossing altitude and then reduce speed. Verbal clearances for descent will normally permit an uninterrupted descent in accordance with the procedure as described in paragraph b above. Acceptance of a charted fuel efficient descent (Runway Profile Descent) clearance requires the pilot to adhere to the altitudes, speeds, and headings depicted on the charts unless otherwise instructed by ATC. PILOTS RECEIVING A CLEARANCE FOR A FUEL EFFICIENT DESCENT ARE EXPECTED TO ADVISE ATC IF THEY DO NOT HAVE RUNWAY PROFILE DESCENT CHARTS PUBLISHED FOR THAT AIRPORT OR ARE UNABLE TO COMPLY WITH THE CLEARANCE.
Source: FAA Aeronautical Information Manual · current edition · paragraph 5-4-2.
The short answer
AIM 5-4-2 is FAA advisory guidance describing the Local Flow Traffic Management Program, a continuing FAA effort to enhance safety, minimize aircraft noise, and conserve fuel. It minimizes low-altitude maneuvering of arriving turbojet and turboprop aircraft weighing more than 12,500 pounds and uses fuel efficient descents, generally producing a descent gradient window of 250–350 feet per nautical mile.
Research Notes
Common Questions
What is the purpose of the Local Flow Traffic Management Program?
Per AIM 5-4-2, it is a continuing FAA effort to enhance safety, minimize the impact of aircraft noise, and conserve aviation fuel. Safety and noise gains come from minimizing low-altitude maneuvering of arriving turbojet and turboprop aircraft weighing more than 12,500 pounds and letting departures climb to higher altitudes sooner.
What is a fuel efficient descent?
AIM 5-4-2 describes it as basically an uninterrupted descent — except where level flight is required for speed adjustment — from cruising altitude to the point where level flight is needed to stabilize on final approach. It is based on the altitude loss most efficient for most aircraft served and generally results in a descent gradient window of 250–350 feet per nautical mile.
What must I do when I receive a charted fuel efficient (Runway Profile Descent) clearance?
Per AIM 5-4-2, accepting a charted Runway Profile Descent clearance requires adhering to the depicted altitudes, speeds, and headings unless otherwise instructed by ATC. Pilots receiving the clearance are expected to advise ATC if they do not have the Runway Profile Descent charts published for that airport or are unable to comply. When crossing altitudes and speed restrictions are issued, ATC expects descent to the crossing altitude first, then speed reduction.