Approach / Departure

STARs

Published STAR procedures into EDNY are operationally limited and are therefore not consistently used during BlueLake Airways operations. Due to the airport’s regional traffic environment, compact airspace structure and frequent vector-based sequencing, arrivals are commonly handled via direct routings and radar vectors rather than full STAR transitions.

Depending on traffic volume, runway configuration and ATC workload, crews should expect partial STAR usage, shortened transitions or completely vector-based arrivals. In many situations, only the initial portion of a published STAR is flown before radar vectors are issued towards the final approach phase.

The relatively short distances between nearby airspace sectors, combined with the compact operational environment around EDNY, often make full STAR procedures operationally unnecessary. This is particularly noticeable during low traffic periods, online network operations or regional ATC staffing situations where controllers may prioritize efficient sequencing over procedural arrivals.

Crews should therefore remain prepared for:

Full STAR compliance should nevertheless remain available whenever specifically instructed by ATC or required due to traffic sequencing and operational conditions.

RWY 06 – Arrivals via KPT

For arrivals from the north and east via KPT VOR, the published KPT1F arrival can be expected during RWY 06 operations. In most situations, the STAR is flown until MOKOP, after which aircraft typically receive radar vectors for a left turn into the northern downwind before transitioning onto final approach for RWY 06.

As an alternative to the full KPT1F arrival, aircraft may also receive direct routing from KPT towards LAGOS (RNAV waypoint). From LAGOS, crews should expect transition into the visual approach environment for RWY 06, often combined with shoreline vectoring south of the airport before turning onto final approach.

The southern arrival transition via LAGOS and subsequent visual approach environment should only be expected during clear visibility and VFR weather conditions. Reduced visibility, low cloud layers or adverse weather conditions will typically result in conventional vectoring patterns and instrument-based arrival sequencing instead.

Both procedures are commonly used to reduce unnecessary track miles and improve arrival sequencing efficiency during low and moderate traffic conditions.

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RWY 06 – Arrivals via ARFAS, ZUE and ROLSA

Arrivals from the west and northwest via ARFAS, ZUE and ROLSA (via DEGES) can generally expect radar vectoring and direct transition into the RWY 06 approach environment rather than full procedural STAR operations.

Depending on traffic conditions and runway sequencing, ATC will typically provide direct descent instructions followed by vectoring into the approach environment. Arrivals via ARFAS can commonly expect transition into the northern downwind before sequencing onto final approach. Aircraft arriving via ZUE and ROLSA, however, will more frequently receive direct vectoring towards a straight-in ILS approach for RWY 06.

Due to the relatively compact airspace structure around EDNY, these arrivals are usually handled with minimal track miles and shortened transition phases.

RWY 24 – Arrivals

Arrivals via ARFAS during RWY 24 operations can generally expect the standard ILS approach for RWY 24. Due to the favorable arrival geometry from the west, vectoring requirements are usually minimal under normal traffic conditions.

Aircraft arriving from KPT can expect either radar vectoring or direct Routings towards the final approach course, often resulting in shortened transitions directly into the ILS approach environment.

Arrivals via ZUE are commonly routed into the northern downwind via UMTEX before being sequenced onto final approach for RWY 24. Depending on traffic volume and weather conditions, additional vectoring may be issued during the downwind phase.

Aircraft arriving via ROLSA can frequently expect direct routing towards HOFAZ in order to establish the southern downwind for RWY 24 operations. This routing is commonly used to efficiently separate western and northwestern arrival streams before transition onto final approach.

Approach

Approach operations at EDNY are characterized by a highly flexible and vector-based arrival environment rather than strict procedural sequencing. Due to the airport’s compact regional airspace structure, approaches are frequently shortened and adapted dynamically depending on traffic volume, weather conditions and runway configuration.

Both instrument and visual transitions are commonly used during daily operations. Crews should expect a combination of radar vectoring, direct routings and shortened approach profiles, particularly during low and moderate traffic situations. Full published procedures are available and may be flown when required, but operationally, ATC will often prioritize efficient sequencing and minimal track miles.

Approach environments at EDNY can vary significantly between RWY 06 and RWY 24 operations. While RWY 24 generally supports more conventional straight-in profiles, RWY 06 operations frequently involve visual transitions, shoreline vectoring and shortened final approach setups.

Due to the close interaction between IFR airline traffic, general aviation activity and regional airspace constraints, continuous situational awareness and early approach preparation remain essential during all arrival operations into EDNY.

RWY 06 – Approaches

RWY 06 operations at EDNY support multiple approach transition concepts depending on arrival direction, traffic conditions and weather situation. Due to the airport’s flexible and vector-based arrival environment, approaches are frequently adapted dynamically by ATC in order to reduce track miles and improve sequencing efficiency.

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*orange is the conection between the entry point and tansition into the final approach sector. Green are the expected turns into the final approach.

Aircraft arriving via ARFAS will commonly receive transition towards the ILS environment via NY610 rather than entering a conventional downwind pattern. This transition typically results in a relatively direct setup onto the instrument approach environment for RWY 06 with minimal vectoring requirements under normal traffic conditions.
Depending on sequencing requirements and traffic density, additional radar vectors may still be issued prior to final intercept.

Arrivals via ROLSO (from DEGES) and ZUE commonly receive direct vectoring towards a straight-in approach setup for RWY 06. These arrivals typically involve minimal transition phases and are operationally preferred whenever traffic conditions permit efficient direct sequencing.

During favorable weather and clear visibility conditions, aircraft may receive direct routing towards LAGOS (RNAV waypoint) for the southern visual arrival environment into RWY 06.

From LAGOS, ATC will typically provide visual vectoring south of the airport along the Lake Constance shoreline before turning aircraft onto a shortened visual final approach. This transition is primarily used during VFR conditions and allows highly efficient arrival sequencing with minimal track miles.

Due to the close proximity of recreational VFR traffic along the lakeside area, increased situational awareness is required throughout the visual transition phase.

RWY 24 – Approaches

RWY 24 operations at EDNY generally support more conventional and stable approach profiles compared to RWY 06 operations. Due to the runway orientation and surrounding airspace structure, arrivals are frequently sequenced using extended downwind transitions or direct vectoring towards the ILS environment depending on arrival direction and traffic situation.

Aircraft arriving via ARFAS will commonly receive direct transition into the standard ILS approach environment for RWY 24. Due to the favorable arrival geometry from the west, only minimal vectoring is usually required before interception of the final approach course.
This arrival concept is operationally preferred whenever traffic conditions allow uninterrupted sequencing.

Traffic arriving from KPT can expect radar vectoring or direct routings towards the final approach environment for RWY 24. Depending on sequencing requirements, aircraft may either receive shortened vectoring directly onto the ILS or transition through modified arrival paths before final interception.
Due to the compact airspace environment around EDNY, these arrivals are frequently optimized to reduce unnecessary track miles.

Arrivals via ZUE are commonly routed towards UMTEX before entering the northern downwind for RWY 24 operations. From the downwind, aircraft are typically vectored onto base and subsequently established on final approach.

Aircraft arriving via ROLSO (from DEGES) can frequently expect direct routing towards HOFAZ in order to establish the southern downwind for RWY 24 operations.

Final

RWY 06 – Final Approach

The primary instrument approach for RWY 06 is the ILS RWY 06 procedure.

ILS Information

Final Approach Characteristics

The final approach segment for RWY 06 is comparatively short due to the compact airspace environment around EDNY and the operational preference for shortened vectoring patterns. Aircraft are typically established on final between 6 and 10 NM from touchdown, depending on traffic conditions and arrival routing.

Standard intercept altitude for the glideslope is approximately 4,000 ft during conventional ILS intercept setups. However, due to the flexible vectoring environment around EDNY, lower intercept altitudes and shortened final approaches are common during low traffic situations.

During visual conditions, ATC may combine the ILS environment with visual vectoring techniques, particularly for arrivals transitioning via LAGOS and the southern shoreline area.

Despite the compact approach environment, the RWY 06 ILS provides stable guidance and good situational awareness throughout the final approach phase.

CAT I Minima

RNP Alternative

As an alternative to the ILS procedure, RNAV (RNP) approaches for RWY 06 are available and may be used during:

The RNP approach generally follows a similar arrival environment but may involve slightly different descent profiles and lateral guidance characteristics compared to the ILS procedure.

RWY 24 – Final Approach

The primary approach infrastructure for RWY 24 is the ILS RWY 24 procedure, which represents the standard arrival environment during most operational conditions at EDNY.

ILS Information

Final Approach Characteristics

RWY 24 generally supports longer and more stable final approach profiles compared to RWY 06 operations. Aircraft are commonly established on final between 8 and 12 NM from touchdown, depending on traffic density and arrival direction.

Standard glideslope interception normally occurs around 4,000 ft during conventional ILS setups. Due to the favorable runway geometry and open terrain environment west of the airport, RWY 24 operations usually provide stable and predictable approach conditions.

Arrivals transitioning via UMTEX or HOFAZ commonly receive vectoring onto base leg before interception of the final approach course, while arrivals from ARFAS may receive near straight-in setups with minimal vectoring requirements.

The RWY 24 ILS environment is generally considered the standard and operationally preferred final approach setup at EDNY. RWY 24 additionally supports operations up to CAT III depending on aircraft capability, operator approval and current airport infrastructure status, making it the preferred low visibility runway at the airport.

CAT I Minima

RNP Alternative

RNAV (RNP) procedures are also available for RWY 24 and provide a suitable alternative to the ILS approach environment.

The RNP approach is commonly used during:

Due to the relatively uncomplicated terrain environment west of the airport, the RNP procedure for RWY 24 generally allows stable descent management and predictable final approach guidance comparable to the conventional ILS environment.

Departure

RWY 06 – Departures

Departure operations from RWY 06 at EDNY are structured around a limited number of operationally preferred SIDs in order to ensure terrain separation, efficient climb profiles and simplified regional traffic management.

BlueLake Airways only utilizes the following standard departure routes from RWY 06:

BEMKI Departures

Flights departing towards the northeast, east, southeast and south are routed via the BEMKI departures.

Applicable SID designators:

These departures provide the preferred routing structure for traffic transitioning towards southern Germany, Austria and eastern European destinations.

Due to the rapidly rising Alpine terrain south and southeast of EDNY, direct departures towards the southeast are operationally avoided. All traffic towards these sectors is therefore routed initially via BEMKI in order to ensure safe terrain clearance and structured departure sequencing.

AMIKI Departures

Flights departing towards the southwest are routed via the AMIKI departures.

Applicable SID designator:

This routing is primarily used for traffic towards Switzerland, France and southwestern European destinations.

The departure profile generally allows efficient climb management while maintaining separation from nearby cross-border airspace structures.

ALAGO Departures

Flights departing towards the northwest and north are routed via the ALAGO departures.

Applicable SID designator:

This departure is commonly used for traffic towards western and northern Germany as well as destinations further into northern Europe.

Due to the comparatively open terrain environment north of EDNY, climb restrictions are generally less demanding than on southern departure sectors.

Non-Standard SIDs

All other published RWY 06 SIDs are generally not utilized by BlueLake Airways and are therefore not planned during standard dispatch operations unless specifically required by ATC or operational necessity.

RWY 24 – Departures

RWY 24 departure operations follow the same general routing philosophy as RWY 06 operations, with departures structured around a reduced set of preferred SIDs optimized for terrain avoidance and operational efficiency.

BEMKI Departures

Flights departing towards the northeast, east, southeast and south utilize the BEMKI departures.

Applicable SID designators:

These procedures provide the preferred departure structure for traffic routing towards Austria, southern Germany and southeastern European destinations.

Due to terrain considerations associated with the Alpine region south and southeast of EDNY, direct southeast departures are not conducted. Aircraft are instead routed initially via BEMKI before continuing towards their planned route structure.

AMIKI Departures

Flights departing towards the southwest are routed via the AMIKI departures.

Applicable SID designator:

This departure is commonly used for traffic towards Switzerland, France and southwestern Europe and generally supports efficient transition into upper airspace structures west of Lake Constance.

ALAGO Departures

Flights departing towards the northwest and north utilize the ALAGO departures.

Applicable SID designator:

This SID provides the standard routing structure for northern and northwestern traffic flows departing EDNY.

Compared to southern departure sectors, terrain influence during the initial climb phase is significantly reduced.

Non-Standard SIDs

All other published RWY 24 SIDs are generally not utilized by BlueLake Airways and are therefore excluded from standard dispatch planning unless specifically required for operational reasons or ATC instructions.

Airspaces

The airspace environment surrounding EDNY is relatively compact and operationally demanding despite the airport’s regional size. Due to the close proximity of multiple international airspace boundaries and the nearby Zurich terminal environment, crews should expect frequent ATC coordination, compressed arrival profiles and dynamically changing vectoring instructions.

One of the most significant factors affecting EDNY operations is the immediate proximity of the Zurich (LSZH) TMA. Large portions of the upper airspace south of EDNY are already controlled by Zurich Approach sectors, while major Zurich departure corridors are located directly south of Lake Constance. As a result, departures and arrivals around EDNY frequently operate in close proximity to descending and climbing Zurich traffic.

The available maneuvering space for EDNY arrivals is therefore comparatively limited. Aircraft descending from FL100 often have only a short distance available to reduce speed, configure and establish onto the final approach environment. Especially during RWY 06 operations, this can result in compressed descent profiles, rapid altitude changes and shortened vectoring patterns.

Due to the compact approach sector, crews should remain prepared for:

Additionally, EDNY is located close to the FIR boundaries of:

This creates a highly coordinated cross-border operational environment where aircraft may transition between multiple ATC sectors within very short timeframes. Depending on arrival and departure direction, frequent frequency changes shortly after departure or during descent should be expected.

The interaction between German, Swiss and Austrian traffic flows can also create temporary traffic bottlenecks around the Lake Constance region, particularly during online network events or peak evening operations. Efficient energy management and proactive descent planning are therefore essential for stable operations into EDNY.