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5.6 Speed Control in Vectoring

5.6.1 General

Speed control is used by the Approach Controller to regulate spacing and support sequencing.

The Approach Controller shall use speed control in conjunction with vectoring to maintain separation and achieve a stable flow of traffic.

5.6.2 Typical Speed Profiles

The following speeds may be used as general guidance:

  • Initial approach: ~220 knots
  • Base leg: ~180 knots
  • Final approach: ~160 knots

Actual speeds shall be adjusted based on aircraft type, performance, and operational conditions.

5.6.3 Application

The Approach Controller shall:

  • Reduce speed to increase spacing between aircraft
  • Maintain or increase speed to reduce spacing
  • Apply speed control early to avoid late corrections

Speed control shall be used proactively to support sequencing.

5.6.4 Integration with Vectoring

The Approach Controller shall:

  • Use speed control in combination with radar vectoring
  • Avoid reliance on vectoring alone to manage spacing
  • Apply speed adjustments before significant vectoring changes

Effective sequencing shall use both speed and heading control.

5.6.5 Timing

The Approach Controller shall:

  • Issue speed instructions early to allow pilot compliance
  • Anticipate delay between instruction and aircraft response
  • Avoid late speed changes close to final approach

Late speed control reduces effectiveness and increases workload.

5.6.6 Stability Considerations

The Approach Controller shall ensure that:

  • Speed control supports a stable approach profile
  • Excessive speed reductions are avoided close to final
  • Aircraft are not forced into unstable descent profiles

Speed control shall not compromise approach stability.

5.6.7 Limitations

The Approach Controller shall consider:

  • Differences in aircraft performance
  • Pilot response time
  • Phase of flight
  • Minimum clean or approach speeds

The Approach Controller shall not:

  • Issue unrealistic or unsafe speed instructions
  • Rely on late speed reductions to resolve spacing
  • Create unstable approach conditions

5.6.8 Key Principle

Speed control is a primary tool for sequencing.

The Approach Controller shall:

  • Apply speed early
  • Combine speed with vectoring
  • Maintain stable and predictable approaches

Effective speed control reduces the need for corrective vectoring.