Changing Approach

[chris1060]

I was flying to Innsbrook Austria and ATC gave me Visual Runway 8 Approach to land, so I switched it to a Runway 22 Localizer Approach. When I went to change the approach it gave me two options, Vextors to Final or RTT Transition. I was wondering what does RTT Transition mean?

[DaveSims]

There are several ways to start an instrument approach, the easiest being vectors.  The others require you to follow a series of waypoints to reach the approach.  The RTT transition probably involves using a waypoint known as RTT.  

[Nav]

When I went to change the approach it gave me two options, Vextors to Final or RTT Transition. I was wondering what does RTT Transition mean?

Chris1060, a look at the Map View will help you. 'RTT' is the Rattenberg beacon (NDB) in the valley east of Innsbruck - it's not in line with the runway but it's actually the only point from which you can approach Innsbruck from the east without hitting a mountain. ATC is offering you the options of either flying a compass course from the beacon until you get in line with the runway and can 'transition' to the ILS, or giving you vectors/heights all the way down to the glideslope.

Full information on the special conditions at Innsbruck here:-

http://www.flightsim.com/cgi/kds?$=main/feature/innvie.htm

Me, I'd choose the 'vectors to final' option! It may take you a long way round but it's likely to be the safest! Or maybe save the flight and try it both ways. Another option is to avoid landing at Innsbruck altogether, I've done it a couple of times and it's hair-raising, even on a computer!