Implicit speed restriction cancellations (EASA)

[Claudiu Dragomir]

In Europe, what cancels an ATC speed restriction, other than the controller explicitely:

• descending below 10000 ft?
• receiving an approach cleareance, e.g. "cleared for the ils..."?
• receiving a 'climb/descend via' instruction, e.g. "descend via STAR..."?
• others?

[Simon Kelsey]

The short answer is: none of the above.

It is an ICAO recommendation that no ATC speed control should be imposed within 4 miles of touchdown and most countries adhere to this but even so it will be explicitly stated (e.g. "maintain xxx knots to 4 DME").

Otherwise speed restrictions apply until explicitly cancelled by the controller.

[Thimo Koolen]

1 hour ago, Simon Kelsey said:

The short answer is: none of the above.

[...]

Otherwise speed restrictions apply until explicitly cancelled by the controller.

That really depends on the country I guess. For example in The Netherlands, if you're on speed 200KT and cleared for an ILS, without the controller given you a speed restriction, than the speed restriction from the controlled is cancelled (and you're expected to fly the standard ILS speed restriction).

[Claudiu Dragomir]

Oh, the pleasures of flying in Europe, you never know quite what the rules are! 😀

Thank you for your insights, they are very helpful.

I think I will ask the controller to "confirm speed restriction" on occasion, from now on, just to be on the safe side.

[Claudiu Dragomir]

Just in case it's useful to someone, this is the answer for FAA:

https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/aim_html/chap4_section_4.html

 

"

f. If ATC determines (before an approach clearance is issued) that it is no longer necessary to apply speed adjustment procedures, they will:

[...]

5. Instruct the pilot to “climb via” or “descend via.” A climb via or descend via clearance cancels any previously issued speed restrictions and, once established on the depicted departure or arrival, to climb or descend, and to meet all published or assigned altitude and/or speed restrictions.

[...]

g. Approach clearances supersede any prior speed adjustment assignments, and pilots are expected to make their own speed adjustments as necessary to complete the approach. However, under certain circumstances, it may be necessary for ATC to issue further speed adjustments after approach clearance is issued to maintain separation between successive arrivals. Under such circumstances, previously issued speed adjustments will be restated if that speed is to be maintained or additional speed adjustments are requested. Speed adjustments should not be assigned inside the final approach fix on final or a point 5 miles from the runway, whichever is closer to the runway.

"

[Mateusz Zymla]

Also, it's good to be aware of the following items:

- airspace class (250kt below F100 applies only in D class airspace and below!),

- Textual AIP as some of the speed limits may not be listed on the charts (like recommended speeds certain NM from airport).

 

@Claudiu Dragomir unfortunately, Europe is not FAA-land. I'd recommend following EASA SERA in Europe 🙂 https://www.easa.europa.eu/document-library/easy-access-rules/easy-access-rules-standardised-european-rules-air-sera

[Andreas Fuchs]

On 8/12/2022 at 11:50 PM, Mateusz Zymla said:

Textual AIP as some of the speed limits may not be listed on the charts (like recommended speeds certain NM from airport)

In most, if not all cases, these approach restrictions, as given in AIPs, are not optional/recommended and can only be modified or cancelled by ATC. Unless you hear something different from ATC, you must follow them:

Edited August 15, 2022 at 10:10 AM by Andreas Fuchs