OnCourse Software

I had a botched arrival into LEBL tonight. I had BISBA marked as the start of my STAR, and no waypoints after that. Shortly before reaching BISBA, ATC vectored me on to a different heading and ordered a descent to 29000 with vectors for runway 02. After that, I got no further instructions -- I ended up way too high on the descent, and ended up putting myself into a hold with speedbrakes and gear out to get down to where I was supposed to be.

I'm wondering two things: why did I start getting vectors when I had a STAR configured, and how come once I started getting vectors I was abandoned.

(Both of there are probably because I messed up somewhere along the lines, but I don't know how. )

Tick (check) the STARs box on the SID/STAR page (don't set the last waypoint as the start of your STAR). The STARs box on the SID/STAR page determines what happens at your last PF3 waypoint. If the box is ticked, you will be cleared at pilot's discretion. If the box is not ticked, you will get vectors. Also, your last waypoint is about 85 miles from the destination airport, which is too far. For best results your last waypoint should be about 25-35 miles out.

If you are being vectored after your last PF3 waypoint and would prefer to complete the approach on your own, you can hit hotkey 1 and you will be cleared to complete the approach at pilot's discretion.