Major Revision of Arrivals and Departures for Houston Metroplex Airports

Effective tomorrow, May 29, 2014, the Houston Metroplex, which includes Houston Intercontinental (IAH) and Hobby (HOU), will implement 61 new procedures that provide airport-specific arrival and departure procedures while decreasing fuel usage through more direct flight paths.

STARS

• Runway-specific arrival procedures designed for 280 kts transitioning out of MACH.
• Waypoints provide an average of 290 FT/NM or 2.7 degree Flight Path Angle.
• All speeds are mandatory.
• Expect to fly the ILS transition on IFR days or a heading to intercept the arrival to shorten the procedure on VFR days.

SIDS

• All departures are “Climb via the SID” with a 4000 initial altitude—TRACON will issue the “climb and maintain” clearance.
• All IAH runway 15L/R SIDS are RNAV off the runway.
• All other SIDs will have a tower-assigned heading with TRACON issuing the “direct to fix” clearance.
• Advise ATC as soon as possible if aircraft performance prevents compliance with altitude restrictions.

Flow Control

• Memphis Center, Fort Worth Center, or Houston Center may issue speed adjustments to ensure adequate spacing on the arrivals.
• ATC may use metering off the ground that could result in an Expect Departure Clearance Time (EDCT), even on VFR days.

During the first two weeks (May 29 and June 12), Houston Metroplex will use ground delay programs to help with the implementation of the new procedures.

If you are unable to comply with a procedure, notify ATC prior to the initial transition fix on the arrival.

When necessary, ATC will issue “Descend Via” where the lateral track will be followed but the controller will issue a “descend and maintain” clearance. If a flight diverts to a Houston Metroplex airport, expect ATC to issue headings and altitudes to the diversion airport or, if able, a new arrival procedure.

• Ensure compliance with relevant FAR, flight manual restrictions, and company SOP.
• State assigned SID name when requesting Ramp Control pushback.
• Read back the full takeoff clearance to tower and crosscheck the FMS—Tower takeoff instructions may differ from previous received clearance.
• Takeoff clearances will be one of the following:

o Proceed via the RNAV path to a waypoint.
Example: “United 123, RNAV to SCAMM, runway 15L cleared for takeoff”

o Proceed via an assigned heading if the RNAV track is not desired.
Example: “Acey 4696, fly heading one four zero, runway 15L, cleared for takeoff”

o No SID or heading specified in the takeoff clearance.
Example: “United 543, runway 15L, cleared for takeoff.” You are expected to fly as cleared on the PDC/PDR (SID or Heading).

If you have any issues, contact your Central Air Safety chairman or EAS@alpa.org.