¶ Introduction
In this document, you will find useful information for your flight into Nice on VATSIM. Bear in mind that this document only contains additional information and does not by any means replace use of Charts. You can find free LFMN charts here.
¶ Runways
Nice airport is equipped with 2 interdependent runways which means that simultaneous take-off and landings are prohibited. Runways 04 are preferential up to 6 kts of tailwind. In normal operations, the runways are used as such :
When landing, please vacate as fast as possible, that does not simply mean the closest taxiway, use EG rapid exit taxiway and stop only when your aircraft fully passes the hold short line.
¶ Ground
¶ Parking positions
The French Riviera's most famous airport has 4 main parking areas :
¶ Clearances Validity
When issued a pushback or taxi clearance, crew need to comply with the clearance within 1 minute to avoid ground congestion. If unable or need further information, advise ATC immediately.
¶ Standard Taxi Routings
Standard taxi routing when using runway 04L/R
Standard taxi routing when using runway 22L/R
¶ Approach
¶ Preferential Approach
For noise abatement purposes, RNP A approach runway 04L is to be expected when local weather permits it.
During RNP A operations, pilots can expect radar vectors at MUS/NERAS latest for sequencing, they will then receive a direct to BISBO and be cleared for approach. During initial approach, compliance with speed constraint from ATC is mandatory and should be as precise as possible, if unable to comply with the assigned speed, advise ATC.
After BISBO, the procedure will descend the aircraft to 2000ft. This is the start of VPT A approach, once the runway is in sight pilots will need to disengage autopilot and fly manually the final approach. When doing so, remain over the sea, the alignment to final should be executed in 1 turn as shown below to give the crew a 2 nm final.
When using runways 22L/R, expect the RNP D approach.
Equal to RNP A, pilots can expect radar vectors after MUS/NERAS for sequencing, they will then be instructed to proceed direct to either NANAX or SOTOX and be cleared for approach.
Carefully read the latest ATIS information to check current approach procedure.
¶ Visual Approach
If unable to fly RNP A/D, crew may expect visual approaches to both runways. Similarly to RNPs approaches, visual ones will be offset to remain over the sea until alignment to final.
¶ Holdings
If needed during high intensity operations, ATC may ask crews to hold as published over certain fixes.
In case of such a clearance, pilots are required to hold at the said fix until cleared to leave the holding pattern by an explicit clearance. If an expected approach time is given, it is purely indicative, it does not clear the crew to leave the hold. Moreover, pilots are expected to remain at the last cleared level in the holding unless cleared otherwise.
Published holdings in Nice TMA are :
| Parameters | NERAS | MUS | AMGEL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turn direction | Right | Left | Right |
| Inbound course | 297° | 148° | 143° |
| Speed | Max 230kts | Max 220kts | |
| Timing | 1 minute | 1.5 minutes |