How does the official reading of a STAR begin?

The official reading of a Standard Terminal Arrival Route (STAR) begins with the common NAVAID, intersection, or fix where multiple transitions converge. This is crucial because the STAR provides a standardized method for aircraft to transition from en route to the terminal area while ensuring efficiency and safety in busy airspace. By starting at a point where different arrival routes join, the air traffic controllers can manage and sequence arriving aircraft more effectively as they approach their destination airport.

The focus on a common point allows for route optimization and facilitates coordination among various aircraft entering the terminal airspace, leading to smoother operations. This approach also helps in reducing the workload for pilots and controllers alike, as it establishes a clear, defined path for aircraft to follow as they make their descent and approach for landing.