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COLONIAL AIRLINES, INC.

February 12, 1948

To: ALL Pilots and Dispatchers
From: Chief Pilot
Subject: Approach Control Procedures

We have been notified by the Air Transport Association of America, that at the Chief Pilot's Conference in Chicago during May, 1947, and later at the Operations Conference in Chicago in October, 1947, it was agreed that when the bottom aircraft in the holding stack did not have a legal landing minimum at that point, ATC could clear such aircraft out of the holding stack to the adjacent radio fix, in order that such aircraft would not hold up the flow of traffic that might be holding above the minimum holding altitude.

This procedure was established as follows:
(a) ATC could clear these flights to the adjacent holding fix without the prior knowledge or approval of the flight dispatcher concerned.

(b) Only the aircraft in the number one position would be so cleared. Other aircraft in the stack would be given the opportunity to be stepped down in their proper sequence to the number one position before being moved out of the stack. 

(c) This procedure is to be applied to all aircraft.

(d) ATC should advise the appropriate flight dispatcher of the action immediately following the issuance of the clearance.

This does not prevent, any aircraft from leaving the stack if it is not in the #1 position, but only means that you may remain in the stack if so desired until you are in the #1 position, at which time you must leave.

This procedure is now in effect at all centers and approach control towers.

Fred D. Smith

FDS:gmo
 cc: B.T. Dykes