Speeds in the Terminal Area?

[GEXDriver]

A younger pilot asked me about speeds he should be using in the IFR pattern for the typical ILS at a major airport like IAD, MIA, DTW, SFO, etc. It was something I don't normally think about and I'm probably way too fast anyway. I didn't want to give him a suggestion that would leave him high and fast in the terminal area so I told him I'd get back to him. What do you use? Do you have speeds that you want to be flying at a certain distance from the airfield or rules of thumb that would be good to pass on to a junior birdman?

 

[PHX767]

I like "210 within 10," that worked in bigger planes at big airports.


Turning ILS final and slowing to 180, 190 if they don't say anything. At GS intcpt, 170 has usually worked. Still have to get stable in accordance with the company dogma. Visual final 3 miles at 140. My current ride slows down so fast i don't really plan too far ahead.

Trouble is, you can get used to appch control doing your speed planning for you, and then go somewhere where they don't and you will be WAY fast all of a sudden.

I'm looking forward to seeing the other opinions on this subject.

 

[coloneldan]

I agree with PHX767. I usually try to be around 200 by the time I get to within 10 miles. 210 at 10 would work really well. That is especially true if you still have a lot of altitude to loose. As you know, high, fast and short ain't good.

 

[twinbeech]

"best forward to the marker" heard a lot in ORD... don't eat up the guy in front of you, don't screw the guy behind you.