1. L5-CHARTS
The charts enclosed have been created by Marc LAUER for the CyberAvia Training Center (CTC).
They are provided to you by courtesy of Fabrice ERDINGER, President CyberAvia, French virtual airline and partner of IVAO (partnership registered at IVAO-France).
These charts show an airport diagram, a SID, a STAR and an instrument approach for LFTW - NIMES-Garons, France. NIMES is the CyberAvia VA and CTC home base.
The drawing is a little bit different from the Jeppesen standard. However, this lesson should help you understanding any type of approach charts since all standards have many similarities. You will also find some details about aircraft categories, specific runway distances, lighting systems etc...
Remark : a printed version of this file (only 6 pages) will be easier to read.

2. FOR SIMULATION PURPOSES ONLY DO NOT USE FOR REAL NAVIGATION
Airfield open to those categories :
- A like helicopters, Pa28, C182, DHC6
- B like B1900, Learjet, C160, E121
- C like A310, B727/737, MD80
D like A330/340, B747/767, DC10
Do not take-off if vis < 250 m (cat ABC) or 300 m (cat D).
Aircraft categories are defined according to landing speed Vat = 1.3 x Vso (Vso is stall speed with gear and full flaps out) :
A – Vat < 90 kt
B – Vat 91 to 120 kt
C – Vat 121 to 140 kt
D – Vat 141 to 165 kt
E – Vat > 166 kt (Concorde)
Radio frequency to be used.
Rwy 18 is equipped with approach lights.
CABLE
NIMES is a mixed civilian/military airfield. Two cables are available for hook equipped aircraft.
H = Helipad
NIMES has two helipads.
One for military helicopters just in front of the tower.
One for Securite Civile and civilian helicopters on the east side of the runway.
LLZ = Localizer
Position of LLZ antennas (part of the ILS materializing the runway centerline) .
HI = High Intensity
LI = Low Intensity
LI lighting is omnidirectional and has only one intensity (low).
HI lighting is unidirectional and has several intensities (very low-low-medium-high-very high)
900 m = approach lights length.
NIL = nothing – none for rwy 36.
REIL = Rwy End Identifier Lights
ARP coordinates (= airfield coordinates).
Magnetic declinaison (calculated in 1995) = 1° west.
GP = Glide Path
Position of GP antennas (part of the ILS materializing the glide path).
PAPI = Precision Approach Path Indicator. The slope here is 3°.
Runway length and width (could be in feet)
Threshold 18 altitude.
TODA = Take Off Runway Available
2440 m
TODA = Take Off Distance Available
ASDA = Acceleration-Stop Dist. Avail.
2530 m.
LDA = Landing Distance Available
These indications are important when there are displaced thresholds (not the case here).
Runway surface = concrete
Runway strength = 55 t by gear
ARP = Aerodrome Reference Point
NIMES – Garons (LFTW)
43°45’27’’ N - 004°25’03’’ E
Airport Diagram
ALT - AD: 308 ft
GARONS Gnd :
FOR SIMULATION PURPOSES ONLY
DO NOT USE FOR REAL NAVIGATION
DEC 1° W (95) H
TERMINAL
CYBERAVIA
HANGARS
SECURITE
CIVILE
ILS - GP
PAPI 3°
302
Civilian Area
Milatary Area
PKG MIL
TWR
ILS - LLZ
308
NIM TACAN
RUNWAY
2440 x 45 m
500 m m
178°
358° MM
LIGHTING DISTANCES Surface TKOF MINIMA (meters)
Rwy Approach Rwy TORA TODA ASDA LDA Strength Cat A Cat B Cat C Cat D
HI OACI Concrete
m HI/LI
36 NIL HI/LI RCWT
ALTITUDES IN FEET
MISC :
RWY 18/36 :Threshold HI/LI
REIL HI/LI
Cables : 280 m beyond thld 18
260 m beyond thld 36
TWY : Concrete
PKG : Concrete
Thld 18 : 43°46’08.6’’ N - 004°25’00.2’’ E
Thld 36 : 43°44’51.3’’ N - 004°25’05.8’’ E
OBSERVATIONS :
ARP

3. NIMES – Garons (LFTW) Minimum Vectoring Altitudes MVA
These are minimum vectoring altitudes into RHONE S/CTA and NIMES S/CTR.
That means the controller can’t give any altitude clearance lower than the MVA indicated for each sector. An aircraft coming from VALMA will be initially cleared to 6600 ft until it reaches 35 NM inbound. Then to descend lower wait :
- 35 NM for 5000 ft.
- 25 NM for 3300 ft.
- 20 NM for 3000 ft .
- 14 NM for 2000 ft.
These MVA ensure the aircraft will not touch the ground when approaching.
This chart is more useful for controllers than for pilots. However, pilots can check controllers are not bringing them too far and too low.
TA = Transition Altitude
Change alt setting from QNH to standard 1013 or when crossing TA (during climb).
MVA = Minimum Vectoring Altitudes
Magnetic declinaison (calculated in 1995) = 1° west.
CTA = Control Area
Controlled airspace usually high and established above a CTR. When not a CTA, this kind of airspace is usually a TMA = Terminal Control Area.
RHONE S/CTAs (there are several) extend from 2000 ft to FL 195.
CTR = Control Zone
Controlled airspace including one or several airports and which lower limit is the surface.
NIMES S/CTR extends from surface to 2000 ft.
S/ = Specialized
Specialized means the airspace are managed by military controllers for both military and civilian aircraft.
RHONE S/CTA is under the responsability of ISTRES APP (French Air Force).
NIMES S/CTR is under the responsability of NIMES APP (French Navy).
NIMES – Garons (LFTW)
Minimum Vectoring
Altitudes
FOR SIMULATION PURPOSES ONLY
DO NOT USE FOR REAL NAVIGATION
ALTITUDES IN FEET
TA : 5000
DEC 1° W (95)
5000
3000
3300
6600
2000
20 NM
14 NM
25 NM
35 NM
VALMA
MOLEN
LUNEL
VARES
MARRI
RHONE
SALIN
NIM Ch53X
DME
MEN
MTL
FJR
MTG
117.30
NG 354
NIMES-GARONS
S/CTA RHONE - S/CTR NIMES

4. FOR SIMULATION PURPOSES ONLY DO NOT USE FOR REAL NAVIGATION
Airfield open to those categories :
- A like helicopters, Pa28, C182, DHC6
- B like B1900, Learjet, C160, E121
- C like A310, B727/737, MD80
- D like A330/340, B747/767, DC10
VALMA 2
Name of the STAR. When authorized to proceed according to a STAR, you are supposed to know it (if not, ask for radar vectors) and follow chart instructions.
Here is VALMA 2 :
- from MEN, hdg 131° to VALMA descending 6600 ft mini.
- passing VALMA, maintain hdg 131° and descend 5000 ft mini.
- at 25 NM inbound NIM, descend 3000 ft to NG.
You must comply with these instructions unless otherwise instructed by the controller (for regulation purposes for instance). However, never descend below the altitude specified for the route you are on. They have been calculated to avoid collision with the ground.
Distances are indicated also :
MEN - VALMA = 35 NM
VALMA - NG = 35 NM
TA = Transition Altitude
Transition level provided by ATC according to TA and altimeter setting.
Change from 1013 or to local altimeter setting given by ATC (during descent).
STAR = Standard Terminal Arrival Route
Standard Arrival Procedures
Magnetic declinaison (calculated in 1995) = 1° west.
Holding pattern specifications.
- L NG = Locator named NG
- minimum altitude = 2000 ft
- maximum level = FL 70
- inbound leg = hdg 178°
- left pattern (counter clockwise)
- leg length : 1 min
- max IAS in knots : 220
MOLEN 2
For this STAR :
- from MTL, hdg 202° to MOLEN descending 3000 ft mini.
- passing MOLEN (19 NM NIM), maintain hdg 202° and descend 2000 ft mini to NG.
See also details about holding pattern entries on a following slide.
MARRI 2
This STAR is an alternative to RHONE 2 when area R108A is active.
RHONE 2 route crosses the R108A area belonging to ISTRES APP. In case the area is active, aircraft coming from MTG can’t use RHONE 2 STAR, they are rerouted via MARRI 2.
Reporting points coordinates are indicated so that you can program your FMS or GPS.
NIMES – Garons (LFTW)
STAR
Instrument Approach
CAT. A B C D
FOR SIMULATION PURPOSES ONLY
DO NOT USE FOR REAL NAVIGATION
VALMA
441400N E
LUNEL 2
RHONE 2
MOLEN
440319N E
LUNEL
434122 E
RHONE
442309N E
MARRI
432305N E
MTL
MTG
FJR
MEN
NG 354
435126N E
DA 402
440359N E
ALTITUDES (HEIGHTS) IN FEET 13
19 NM NIM 32
202°
131°
050°
328°
355°
247° MTL 35 10 34 29
119° FJR
25 NM
271° MTG
SALIN
If R108 A active 15
NIM Ch53X
DME
6600
5000
3000
25 NM NIM
2000
HOLDING L NG
FL 70
Inbnd 178° Left
1 min KIAS
TA : 5000
DEC 1° W (95)

5. FOR SIMULATION PURPOSES ONLY DO NOT USE FOR REAL NAVIGATION
Airfield open to those categories :
- A like helicopters, Pa28, C182, DHC6
- B like B1900, Learjet, C160, E121
- C like A310, B727/737, MD80
- D like A330/340, B747/767, DC10
Radio frequencies to be used
Minimum Safe Altitude
For instance, if joining NG with a heading between 189° and 309°, the minimum altitude you can descend to and remain sure not to hit the ground or an obstacle within 25 NM from NG is 3000 ft.
IAF = Initial Approach Fix
This is the start point of an instrument approach procedure. Very often, the IAF is also a fix for the holding pattern as you can see here.
The IAF is the Locator NG, 354 kHz.
The continuous lines are for the arrival procedure and the holding pattern.
The dotted line is for the missed approach procedure. A maximum speed (IAS) is often specified for the missed approach (220 kt here).
FAF = Final Approach Fix
This is the point at which you have to start the descent when proceeding for a localizer approach (glide slope unserviceable). The FAF is NG again.
DA = Decision Altitude (for ILS)
If you don’t have the runway in sight (or cannot land safely) when reaching 510 ft, execute the missed approach procedure.
Minimum visibility for this procedure is 550 meters
MDA = Minimum Descent Altitude (for LOCALIZER apch, Glide Slope out)
Idem when reaching 590 feet.
Minimum visibility is 800 or 1200 m
LOCATOR - ILS procedure for Rwy 18.
ILS frequency and callsign
Minimum Holding Altitude 2000 ft
Max IAS is 220 kt
Max holding altitude is 7000 ft
Inbound leg 178°, left turn
- Outbound leg 378°, 1 minute
NIMES TACAN.
A TACAN is a military VOR/DME.
Military aircraft use the TACAN channel 53X for radials and DME (doesn’t work in FS)
Civilian aircraft can only use the DME signal from on NAV 1 or 2 (radials not available).
Sometimes, a VORTAC (mixed TACAN and VOR, not the case here) is available. Civilians get radials from VOR and DME from TACAN.
MAPT = Missed Approach Point
Start point of the missed approach procedure (for LOC GS out apch).
The MAPt is the Middle Marker (MM).
OM = Outer Marker
Missed approach details
The missed approach procedure is always fully described.
Circle-to-land (also known as CIRCLING)
A maneuver executed when approaching a runway and landing on another one.
NIMES has no instrument procedures for Rwy 36. If wind is for runway 36 and weather is bad (no visual approach available), you have to perform the instrument approach Rwy 18 and, instead of landing with tail wind, break right and land runway 36. This is a circle-to-land.
Time necessary for flying from outer marker to threshold runway 18.
Example : 1 min 56 sec at 115 kt
FOR SIMULATION PURPOSES ONLY
DO NOT USE FOR REAL NAVIGATION
178° MM
358°
NG 354 OM
1 min
2000
MHA 2000
Max IAS : 220 kt
ZP : 7000
NIM Ch53X
DME
IAF
2 NM NIM
Max IAS 220 kt
TA : 5000
059°
309°
189°
5000
3000
MSA 25 NM NG
ILS NG
DEC
1°W
(95)
APP : RHONE Control
APP : GARONS Approach
TWR : GARONS Tower
NIMES – Garons (LFTW)
L - ILS RWY 18
Instrument Approach
CAT. A B C D
ALT - AD : 308, Thld : 302
FAF LOC
GS out NG
MAPT
LOC gs out
NIM DA
MDA 3°
5.2 %
1550
(1248)
LEFT
Distance Rwy 18 (NM)
Distance NIM TACAN (NM)
(1698)
Missed Apch : Climb straight ahead to D NIM TAC then turn right to NG (max IAS kt) climbing to 2000 ft (1698).
ALTITUDES (HEIGHTS) IN FEET
CAT A B C D
510
RVR
550
590
800
1200
740
810
930
1010
VIS
1500
1600
2400
3600
ILS LOC (GS out) Circle-to-land
DA / MDA in feet, RVR/VIS in meters
Observations : Circling maneuvers prohibited east of airport
70 kt kt kt kt kt kt kt
OM–Rwy NM min min min min min min min 12

6. ENTRY INTO THE HOLDING 70° 1 3 2
SECTOR 3 – PARALLEL ENTRY
When coming from RHONE, MARRI or CM
When reaching the IAF (NG), take the outbound heading as long as specified for the holding (358° for 1 min here).
Then turn on the holding side to join directly the IAF or holding fix (NG).
When reaching the IAF again (NG), start the procedure if authorized by ATC or perform a holding pattern.
SECTOR 2 – OFFSET ENTRY
When coming from FJR-LUNEL
When reaching the IAF (NG), choose a heading giving a 30° angle with the inbound leg, on the holding side (here hdg 028°).
Maintain this heading (028°) as long as specified for the holding (1 min here) then turn to join the inbound leg (here, a left turn to NG).
SECTOR 1 – DIRECT ENTRY
When coming from MTL-MOLEN or MEN-VALMA
When reaching the IAF (NG), start the procedure if authorized by ATC or perform a holding pattern.
According to your heading for joining the IAF, you can start the approach procedure directly or you have to execute a maneuver to bring your aircraft towards the IAF on a heading that enables you to start the approach procedure. You may have the same situations for entering a holding pattern. There are 3 entry maneuvers according to the sector you are coming from. These sectors are defined according to a 70° angle with the inbound leg, on the holding side as shown below. Let’s see some examples with the IAF NG, which is also the fix for the holding pattern :
178° MM
358° OM
2 NM NIM
Max IAS 220 kt
70°
MTL-MOLEN
Hdg 202° 1
MEN-VALMA
Hdg 131°
NG 354
IAF
RHONE
Hdg 328° 3
CM 369
Hdg 263°
MARRI
Hdg 355°
FJR-LUNEL
Hdg 050° 2
30°

7. FOR SIMULATION PURPOSES ONLY DO NOT USE FOR REAL NAVIGATION
Airfield open to those categories :
- A like helicopters, Pa28, C182, DHC6
- B like B1900, Learjet, C160, E121
- C like A310, B727/737, MD80
- D like A330/340, B747/767, DC10
VALMA 1
Name of the SID. When authorized to proceed according to a SID, you are supposed to know it (if not, ask for radar vectors) and follow chart instructions.
Here is VALMA 1 :
- climb straight ahead.
- when passing 700 ft QNH (400 ft QFE), right turn heading 339° towards DA.
- continue climbing up to FL given in departure clearance.
- intercept MEN radial 131° (at 18 NM from NIM) and continue on heading 311° to VALMA.
- at VALMA, maintain haeding 311° to MEN.
Distances are indicated also :
Take-off - R131° MEN = 26 NM
18 NM NIM - VALMA = 22 NM
VALMA - MEN = 35 NM
Your departure clearance could be :
« FL 90 VALMA 1 squawk 1501 »
This means your are cleared for a standard departure VALMA 1, climbing up to FL 90 and squawking 1501.
SID = Standard Instrument Departure
Also known as DP (Departure Procedure)
MARRI 1
This an alternative SID when the R108A area is active.
RHONE 1 route crosses the R108A area belonging to ISTRES APP. In case the area is active, aircraft departing to MTG can’t use RHONE 1 SID, they are rerouted via MARRI 1.
Reporting points coordinates are indicated so that you can program your FMS or GPS.
TA = Transition Altitude
Change alt setting from QNH to standard 1013 or when crossing TA (during climb).
Magnetic declinaison (calculated in 1995) = 1° west.
NIMES – Garons (LFTW)
SID RWY 18
Instrument Approach
CAT. A B C D
NG 354
435126N E
MOLEN 1
LUNEL 1
RHONE 1
MOLEN
440319N E
VALMA
441400N E
RHONE
442309N E
LUNEL
434122N E
MARRI
432305N E
MTL
MTG
FJR
MEN
DA 402
440359N E
ALTITUDES (HEIGHTS) IN FEET
247° MTL 35
311°
700 (400)
339° 10
230°
279°
If R108 A active 22 26
19 NM NIM
18 NM NIM 13 32
022° 15 16
080°
148°
175° 31
119° FJR
25 NM
271° MTG
SALIN
131° MEN
NIM Ch53X
DME
TA : 5000
DEC 1° W (95)
FOR SIMULATION PURPOSES ONLY
DO NOT USE FOR REAL NAVIGATION