Learn what STAR procedure names, revision numbers, suffix letters and transitions mean, including why charts and FMS identifiers may differ.
In aviation and real-world flying, a STAR name identifies a published arrival route, usually from a significant waypoint or navaid. The attached number normally marks the procedure’s revision or validity version, not a runway or sequence of turns. A final letter usually distinguishes route variants, but its exact meaning must be checked on the chart.
How is a STAR procedure name constructed?
A STAR—called a Standard Instrument Arrival in ICAO terminology and a Standard Terminal Arrival Route in FAA usage—normally combines a name, a number and sometimes a letter.
| Element | Typical meaning | Do not assume |
|---|---|---|
| Name or fix code | A significant waypoint, navaid or other identifier associated with the arrival | That it is always the first or final fix |
| Number | The procedure’s revision or validity indicator | That it refers to a runway, altitude or number of turns |
| Final letter | A route variant sharing the same basic name | That letters have one universal runway meaning |
| Transition name | An entry route or runway branch connected to the STAR | That it is part of the core STAR identifier |
For example, an illustrative designator such as KODAP 2A can be read as the KODAP arrival, validity version 2, route variant A. In another naming system, a chart title such as EXMPL THREE ARRIVAL might appear as the compact code EXMPL3 in an FMS.
What does the number after a STAR name mean?
The number normally identifies the published version of that STAR. When the authority makes a qualifying change to the route, fixes, restrictions or coding, it may issue the arrival under the next validity or revision number.
Thus, if KODAP 2A is replaced by KODAP 3A, the new number identifies the revised procedure. It does not mean runway 02, the second transition, or the second arrival of the day. Minor editorial amendments may be tracked separately without changing the spoken procedure title.
ICAO-style validity indicators generally use the digits 1 to 9, while national naming and revision practices differ. Numbers can eventually be reused, so the identifier alone does not prove that a chart is current; its effective date must agree with the applicable navigation data.
What does the letter at the end of a STAR mean?
A suffix letter usually distinguishes two or more routes built around the same basic arrival name. The variants may serve different runway groups, approach directions, entry paths or airspace arrangements.
There is no universal rule that A means one runway and B means another. A designator such as KODAP 2A must be treated as a complete identifier and checked against the published chart. Our guide to finding STAR identifiers, restrictions and transitions on aviation charts explains where those details appear.
Are the STAR, transition and approach the same procedure?
No. They are connected parts of an arrival, but each performs a different job.
- STAR: carries the aircraft from the en-route structure towards the terminal area.
- Entry transition: joins a particular en-route fix to the common portion of the STAR.
- Runway transition: branches from the common route towards a runway, approach sector or hand-off point.
- Instrument approach: is a separate procedure leading towards a runway or missed approach.
Not every country or airport uses all these elements in the same way. Some STARs are runway-specific, while others finish with radar vectors or connect to several approaches. When planning, choose the arrival by route, runway flow, equipment and clearance—not by its revision number. We cover that decision in our explanation of matching a STAR to its entry point and destination runway.
Why does the FMS show a different STAR name from the chart?
An FMS may compress, concatenate or reorganise the published identifier, but a genuinely different number or suffix can also indicate mismatched navigation data.
- The FMS may remove spaces and words such as
ARRIVAL. - A transition or runway label may be displayed beside the core STAR name.
- The chart and aircraft database may come from different effective cycles.
- The simulator’s procedure data may not agree with its scenery or runway configuration.
- Different avionics may place entry and runway transitions on separate selection pages.
A mistake we see constantly is selecting the closest-looking name and assuming the changed digit is unimportant. Instead, compare the complete designator, entry transition, fix sequence, altitude restrictions and runway branch. In an Airbus simulation, our walk-through of arrival and transition selection in the A320 MCDU shows how these components are presented separately.
How should you resolve a chart and FMS mismatch?
Match the procedure by identity and route rather than forcing an apparently similar selection.
- Read the full designation: note the root name, number, suffix letter and any cleared transition.
- Compare effective data: check that the chart and aircraft navigation database represent the same procedure cycle.
- Inspect the legs: verify every expected fix, restriction and route branch before execution.
- Check the runway connection: confirm that the selected STAR feeds the intended runway transition or approach.
- Do not improvise in real operations: if the cleared procedure is absent or differs materially, advise ATC and obtain an amended clearance.
In a simulator, an unresolved mismatch usually points to old navigation data, an add-on using a different data source, or a procedure that has been renamed. Do not delete discontinuities blindly: some represent an intentional vector segment, while others reveal a missing transition.