Approach and Area Control Procedures
Approach control
Approach control provides approach control service to arriving and departing aircraft within a defined terminal area. Know the sequence: arrival from the en-route phase, descent, holding, approach clearance, and handover to tower. Understand instrument approach procedures (precision and non-precision), the final approach fix, decision altitude/height, and missed approach procedures. Know how holding patterns work: the inbound leg, the holding fix, the standard right-hand pattern, and the timing/level rules.
Area control
Area control provides separation in the en-route phase, often using radar. Know transfer of control points and the requirement for coordination between units. Understand clearance delivery and the readback requirement, and the phraseology for level changes, crossing restrictions, and speed control. Be clear on reduced separation in certain airspace and the conditions for its use.
Traps and a rule of thumb
Traps: issuing an approach clearance before the aircraft is established on the procedure; forgetting that a missed approach must be protected; confusing the decision altitude (precision) with minimum descent altitude (non-precision); and failing to coordinate a transfer of control. Rule of thumb: an approach clearance is a package - it includes the procedure, the level restriction and the expectation; if any element is missing, the clearance is incomplete. Worked example: an aircraft cleared for an ILS approach must be protected down to the decision altitude; if it goes around, the missed approach procedure applies and the controller must ensure separation in the missed approach area.