[JYO] East Downwind Transition @ IAD

I have had a request to review the east downwind transition at IAD. Here is 
the scoop. Keep in mind the new IAD procedures are still in test mode but 
are very close to final form. The airspace split should not change. This 
procedure is also not in writing and not binding on ATC, but allows for a
transition between IAD and the DCA TFR with virtually no impact on IFR 
traffic into and out of IAD. It would be very unusual to be denied. Traffic
to be aware of below 1500 feet east of IAD is helicopters, traffic watch 
aircraft, pipeline survey aircraft, and other VFR traffic doing the same
thing you are. ATC will be providing separation but keep your eyes and ears 
open for traffic that will effect your flight (as always when receiving
flight following form ATC). In Class B, ATC must provide 1 1/2 miles or 500 
feet separation between IFR and VFR aircraft, and "green between" between
two VFR aircraft. Whenever you can provide visual separation for ATC, it is 
appreciated.

BACKGROUND

The east downwind at IAD is that airspace between IAD airport and the western 
edge of the VFR flyway (this boundary also happens to be the
boundary between IAD and DCA airspace). It is less than 5 miles wide and is 
used for IAD landing traffic at 3000 and 4000 feet. The Minimum Vectoring
Altitude (the lowest ATC assignable altitude) in the east downwind is 1700 
feet (2000 feet for all practical purposes). DCA owns the airspace 5000 and
above in this area (you can see how small this area is). The east downwind at 
IAD is heavily used for IAD landing traffic and therefore controllers do not
readily accept other traffic in that airspace.

In preparation for the tower/TRACON split in December, procedures are being 
tested that give IAD tower jurisdiction over the Class B surface area with
east tangents to intercept the IAD/DCA boundary, at and below 2000 feet. With 
the flyway closed, it has become more difficult to transition between
FDK and BRV without taking the scenic tour to the west of Class B.

Since the Tower now owns 2000 feet and below, the transition can be made 
without ever talking to Approach and staying low out of the way of IAD
landing traffic.

PROCEDURE

Stay below the Class B at or below 1400 feet and aim for the center of the 
east downwind. Call IAD Tower on 120.1, about 5 miles before the edge of
Class B surface area, and ask for east downwind transition at 1400 feet or 
any altitude below that, being mindful of minimum safe altitude according to
FAR's. You will be cleared through the Class B and terminated at the opposite 
side as you exit the surface area. The altitude of 1400 is a key
since you will only penetrate Class B through the surface area and no IFR 
aircraft will be assigned an altitude below 2000 feet.

There are several fixes, not depicted on any charts, but included in many GPS 
databases that define a procedure used by IAD and UAL/BLR to keep
aircraft centered in the east downwind at IAD. They are in order from north 
to south, HUSEL, CARAS, STAYO. CARAS is the most important fix since it lies
very close to abeam IAD. You can use HUSEL and STAYO as reporting points for 
the transition since HUSEL is west of GAI and STAYO is east of HEF. The
Potomac river also works from the north and abeam HEF works from the south.

Just as a caveat......

IAD controllers have rarely needed to use HUSEL, CARAS, or STAYO since the 
UAL/BLR pilots are established on the transition well before these fixes, so
some controllers may seem unfamiliar at first and may even vector you through 
the downwind to ensure you stay centered in the airspace. Also IAD
Tower has never owned airspace before since it all was under the jurisdiction 
of TRACON. It will take time for all controllers to pick up on
the new split in responsibilities but it will happen. As of December 2002, 
the TRACON is scheduled to move to Vine Hill and the Tower controllers will
now be dedicated to working the tower every day instead of one day per week 
as the case is now in the combined facility.

HIGHER ALTITUDE TRANSITION

You can call Approach and ask for the same transition at a higher altitude 
but remember how the east downwind is used. You will be less likely to get
the transition above 2000 feet and 4500 is the highest altitude IAD can use. 
Frequencies for Approach are: If IAD is landing 1R/L use 125.8 from the
south and 126.1 from the north. If IAD is landing 19R/L use 124.65 from the 
south and 125.8 from the north. IAD ATIS is 134.85.

Sorry for the length but I think the information is important.

Gary Harris
JYO-Skyhawk N733BZ
CFI-AI SEL&S, AGI-I
Controller at IAD
gkharris@xxxxxxxxxxxxx

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