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7.2 Speed Control Techniques

7.2.1 General

Speed control is the primary method used to regulate spacing between aircraft.

The Approach Controller shall apply speed control to support sequencing, maintain separation, and reduce the need for excessive vectoring.

7.2.2 Typical Speed Profiles

The following speeds may be used as general guidance:

  • At or below FL100: 250 knots
  • 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.

7.2.3 Application

The Approach Controller shall:

  • Reduce speed of leading aircraft to increase spacing
  • Maintain or increase speed of trailing aircraft to reduce spacing
  • Apply speed control early to influence sequencing

Speed control shall be used proactively rather than reactively.

7.2.4 Increasing Spacing

The Approach Controller shall:

  • Reduce speed of the leading aircraft
  • Maintain higher speed for following aircraft
  • Apply adjustments early

7.2.5 Decreasing Spacing

The Approach Controller shall:

  • Increase speed of trailing aircraft where appropriate
  • Maintain higher speeds for longer
  • Avoid excessive acceleration close to final

7.2.6 Timing

The Approach Controller shall:

  • Issue speed instructions early
  • Allow for pilot response delay
  • Avoid late speed changes close to final approach

Late speed control is ineffective and increases workload.

7.2.7 Integration with Vectoring

The Approach Controller shall:

  • Use speed control in combination with radar vectoring
  • Prefer speed control over vectoring where appropriate
  • Avoid excessive vectoring when speed adjustments are sufficient

7.2.8 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

7.2.9 Phraseology

Standard phraseology shall be used:

Reduce speed to 180 knots.  
Maintain 160 knots to 4 DME.

Instructions shall be clear, concise, and issued in sufficient time.

7.2.10 Limitations

The Approach Controller shall not:

  • Issue unrealistic or unsafe speed instructions
  • Rely on late speed reductions to resolve spacing
  • Compromise approach stability
  • Ignore aircraft performance limitations

7.2.11 Key Principle

Speed control is the 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 action.