What should you confirm before filing or accepting a clearance for a STAR?

When preparing to file or accept a Standard Terminal Arrival Route (STAR), it is crucial to confirm your ability to comply with any altitude and/or airspeed restrictions associated with that procedure. STARs are designed to provide a simplified and efficient transition from the en-route phase of flight to the terminal area, and they often come with specific requirements that must be adhered to for safe operation within controlled airspace.

Meeting these restrictions is essential for maintaining safe separation from other aircraft, ensuring an orderly flow of traffic, and enhancing overall situational awareness. If a pilot cannot comply with the required altitudes or speeds, it could lead to negative consequences, including potential conflicts with other aircraft or instruction to re-route, which could disrupt the planned approach and cause operational inefficiencies.

While fuel considerations, weather conditions, and air traffic around the route are also important factors, they do not directly relate to the acceptance of the STAR itself in the context of operational compliance. Therefore, confirming the ability to adhere to the altitude and airspeed restrictions is the primary focus when filing or accepting a clearance for a STAR.