What is the purpose of Standard Terminal Arrival Routes (STARs)?

The purpose of Standard Terminal Arrival Routes (STARs) is to provide a path for aircraft to arrive at busy airports. STARs serve as pre-defined routes that help to manage the arrival of aircraft in a structured and efficient manner, especially in high-traffic airspace. By utilizing these standardized routes, air traffic control can streamline the flow of incoming flights, reducing congestion and enhancing safety.

STARs also help in coordinating the transitions from en route phases of flight to the terminal environment, enabling pilots to maintain safe separation from other aircraft and to prepare for the final approach and landing. This structured approach minimizes the potential for delays and enhances overall operational efficiency at busy airports.

In contrast, the other options focus on aspects unrelated to the primary function of STARs. Outlining safe departure paths is the role of Standard Instrument Departures (SIDs), and efficient fuel management, while important, is not the main goal of STARs. Establishing emergency landing protocols is a separate aspect of aviation safety unrelated to the predefined arrival routes.