Questions tagged [instrument-procedures]

Procedures for navigating based on cockpit instruments rather than visual references outside the cockpit.

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When are procedure turns not required?

Today, at my part 141 flight school I failed a stage check (flight test), because I did not perform a hold. I'm in com-multi training and was shooting a single engine approach in a Beechcraft Baron. I ...
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4 answers
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When are pilots required to have approval to conduct practice approaches?

I would like a clarification about requesting practice approaches. I have seen pilots at uncontrolled airports shoot practice approaches such as VOR, SDF, etc. without needing approval; obviously. ...
Ryan Mortensen's user avatar
12 votes
5 answers
36k views

Where does the final approach segment begin on an ILS approach?

Where does the final approach segment begin on an ILS approach? It may not be as simple as it sounds to answer. The reason I ask is because I've found some support for at least two answers. One is ...
ryan1618's user avatar
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15 votes
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Do instrument approach procedures sometimes have a minimum temperature?

Non-precision instrument approaches generally have altitude restrictions which get lower when you get closer to the airport. I always figured these restrictions were AMSL using the current altimeter ...
falstro's user avatar
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27 votes
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If there is a misprint on an instrument plate, is a pilot required to comply with it?

This is a snippet from the KESC RNAV 36 approach. It's a real procedure, I didn't photoshop it except to add highlighting. Let's say I was in the position that the blue aircraft is in (roughly 10 ...
Steve V.'s user avatar
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10 votes
1 answer
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How do pilots fly an MLS approach?

There is not much information on the cockpit aspect of the Microwave Landing System. Apart from Wikipedia, there's this excellent 15-minute FAA video from 1974 on TRSB (time reference scanning beam) ...
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21 votes
1 answer
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What are the reasons for autopilot restrictions on instrument approaches?

On some instrument approaches, the autopilot-coupled approach is not authorized (or not authorized below a certain minimum). For example, Autopilot-coupled NA (MRY: ILS OR LOC RWY 10R) Autopilot-...
CrepuscularV's user avatar
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When flying a circling approach, is it permitted to begin the visual circling segment prior to the final approach fix?

If it were a beautiful sunny VFR day and you were cleared for a circling approach, can you begin the circle prior to the final approach fix/circling DH in order to maneuver visually to land? Here are ...
Lnafziger's user avatar
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14 votes
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How to correct for crosswind in VOR holding pattern without wind information?

I've heard many articles about crosswind correction in VOR holding pattern. They mainly tell the outbound leg=correction times three things for slow speed aircraft. I notice all of them require wind ...
Azizi Akbar's user avatar
14 votes
5 answers
5k views

In the US, is there a way for a pilot to legally "maneuver at will" in actual IMC?

In the US, is there a way for a pilot to legally "maneuver at will" in actual IMC? Let's say you want to practice a series of reversing 360-degree turns and not have to communicate every change in ...
quiet flyer's user avatar
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Does altimeter setting affect the vertical guidance in a LPV approach?

I had assumed during a WAAS approach when the GPS is in LPV mode, both lateral guidance and vertical guidance are generated from GPS/WAAS signals and the pitot-static system should have no effect on ...
CrepuscularV's user avatar
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How to start an approach in IMC loss of communication under IFR?

Suppose I lost my radio communication while en-route, I am following the cleared route to the last fix. I am flying the higher of my last assigned altitude and MEA. Then, I am holding at my last en-...
CrepuscularV's user avatar
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9 votes
2 answers
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What should I do if I intercept the glideslope before reaching the final approach fix?

On several of the ILS and RNAV LPV approaches in my area (and notably the ones I expect for my checkride), I consistently intercept the GS at 0.1-0.2nm before the FAF. An example: I am flying at ...
StephenS's user avatar
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Can an instrument procedure be intercepted from the middle and how?

While I was reading FAA-H-8083-6 I was wondering if a pilot can be instructed to intercept a procedure from a point somewhere in the middle of it. Specifically: A pilot departs from an airport ...
Stelios Adamantidis's user avatar
8 votes
2 answers
2k views

What is needed to take off in CAT IIIb weather and how is it done?

Landing is possible down to 150 ft visibility and no useful vertical visibility using CAT IIIb ILS. This relies on ILS not only for navigating to the runway, but also for maintaining runway centreline ...
Jan Hudec's user avatar
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1 answer
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Why is a right pattern the standard for a hold?

Why are right turns the standard hold turning direction? Why not left? Is there a reason or is it arbitrary?
Ryan Mortensen's user avatar
5 votes
2 answers
262 views

Why does the surface-level Class E airspace at SIT/PASI (Sitka Alaska) extend so far to the northwest?

The August 1992 Final Rule "Terminal Airspace Reconfiguration" (page 38963, Federal Register Volume 57 No 167, August 27 1992) (link to pdf of entire issue opening to this page) stated that ...
quiet flyer's user avatar
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5 votes
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What are SIDS and STARs?

I’ve been exploring the FMC(flight management computer) on the PMDG 777 and noticed that under the route section you can insert VIA and TO points. From what I’ve learnt this is where you would insert ...
TayE's user avatar
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3 votes
3 answers
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Does a hold-entry count as a hold for instrument currency?

So in looking at the instrument currency requirements for the FAA (6 approaches, holds, intercepting & tracking courses), I'm having difficulty nailing down what constitutes a hold. Based on AIM 5-...
Jeff B's user avatar
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17 votes
2 answers
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How does Jeppesen create its US charts?

The Jeppesen and FAA IFR plates represent the same information in different ways. The FAA publishes its charts for free, but the underlying data that goes into the charts (e.g., exact coordinates of ...
marcprux's user avatar
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15 votes
1 answer
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Why is this VDP not authorized?

I have to admit that I’ve always kind of struggled with the Visual Descent Point (VDP) concept. Looking at the Terminal Instrument Procedures (TERPS) definition: “The VDP is a defined point on the ...
Greg Valvo's user avatar
13 votes
3 answers
11k views

Is it legal to fly the localizer approach when cleared for the ILS?

Most ILS approaches include localizer minimums that can be used if the glideslope transmitter or receiver fails. For example: In this case, to fly the ILS you would intercept the glideslope just ...
Lnafziger's user avatar
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11 votes
3 answers
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What are "Alternate Minimums"?

As I asked question about weather minimums yesterday, I've read some material including TERPs. And In the FAA 8260.3b, 'Taking and Landing Minimims' 3.1 there is one sentence "alternate minimims, when ...
user12972's user avatar
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11 votes
5 answers
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On a procedure turn, do you make the turn on the inside or outside of the procedure turn?

When flying a procedure turn like the one shown below, the first step is to fly outbound 039 degrees. When you turn inbound to 219 degrees, do you make that turn to the left or to the right? The left ...
jskypilot's user avatar
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10 votes
3 answers
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Are we expected to fly distanced leg (instead of timed leg) in holding pattern in GPS approaches?

The standard inbound/outbound holding leg are 1 min leg each (no wind condition). I noticed that a distance (4 nm in the following example) is noted in many GPS approaches. Do we need to fly the leg ...
CrepuscularV's user avatar
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10 votes
1 answer
7k views

What is a Visual Climb Over Airport (VCOA) and how is it properly executed?

The takeoff minimums and (obstacle) departure procedures for the Asheville Regional Airport (KAVL) have special instructions due to the rising terrain in the vicinity of the airport. Instrument ...
ryan1618's user avatar
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9 votes
2 answers
8k views

How do I determine which radial intercept angle to use?

I'm studying for the (EASA) Instrument Rating exam and I found several questions about radial intercept angles in sample exams but nothing in the books I've studied and my flight instructor doesn't ...
assylias's user avatar
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9 votes
1 answer
276 views

What happens with RNAV procedures on the way from AIP publication to FMS database?

I'm particularly interested in Approach procedures, but I guess it applies for RNAV procedures in general. On one side, the national Air Navigation Service Provider (ANSP) is responsible for the ...
rgolcz's user avatar
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9 votes
4 answers
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What is the official FAA definition of the term enroute?

I recently saw a ferry permit which included the following limitation: Flight in IMC authorized for ENROUTE operations ONLY Great, IMC is allowed enroute! But wait, where does the "enroute" ...
Lnafziger's user avatar
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9 votes
2 answers
737 views

What are the constraints and procedures regarding IMC formation flight?

"Instrument Meteorological Conditions" are those in which flight under Visual Flight Rules is not permitted. This changes based on airspace but for the most part IMC means that flight ...
randomhead's user avatar
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9 votes
1 answer
2k views

Why does this GPS approach say "RADAR REQUIRED"?

As I was looking at the approach charts for KCXY while answering this question, I realized that the GPS "overlay-style" approach to RW8 also requires RADAR. Since the HAR VOR isn't even shown on ...
rbp's user avatar
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8 votes
4 answers
12k views

Can the ILS glideslope be intercepted from above?

Is it recommended to intercept the ILS glideslope from above? Are there any special considerations like unstable approaches or GPWS warnings?
Eduardo Guilherme's user avatar
7 votes
3 answers
663 views

Should I inform ATC about minor deviations to maintain VFR while on practice instrument approaches?

When talking to approach control for the purpose of performing practice instrument approaches in VMC with a safety pilot, the pilot (and safety pilot) is required to "maintain VFR." However, the pilot ...
Devil07's user avatar
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7 votes
3 answers
2k views

How can I keep my IR currency outside the USA?

I am an FAA PPL/IR holder living in Spain. My IR license was issued in May 13 of 2016, it has been over 6 months so now I need to log my 6HIT with a safety pilot. Is it possible to complete the ...
gaveasky's user avatar
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7 votes
1 answer
446 views

Can ATC decide whether or not to provide tower enroute services?

Recently, when I requested tower enroute service from a Southern California airport with published TEC routes, I was told by the controller that, out of courtesy for him, I needed to prefile. If I ...
Instrument Newbie's user avatar
7 votes
2 answers
2k views

Why is autolanding ILS a thing, but not autotakeoffing ITS? [duplicate]

In this answer to the question of why zero-visibility landings are legal and routine but not zero-visibility takeoffs, the poster makes the following point: When an aircraft lands in near zero ...
Vikki's user avatar
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7 votes
2 answers
802 views

How do you encode a radial to radial turn in ARINC-424?

I am building my own ATC simulator and for that purpose I need to include several instrument procedures. I have a problem with that particular one: My problem is on KEA transition, the leg between "...
Stelios Adamantidis's user avatar
6 votes
2 answers
3k views

Anybody know the reason for the ‘Star Wars’ themed STARs into KATL?

There are new RNAV STARs for arrival into Atlanta Class Bravo for KATL. Does anybody know the reason a Star Wars theme was chosen for waypoint names eg TYFTR, WOKIE, NWHPE, etc?
Romeo_4808N's user avatar
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6 votes
1 answer
356 views

Why is there a "-D" circling-only approach at an airport that does not have corresponding -A, -B, and -C approaches?

There are three instrument approaches at SEE (as of 17 June 2021): RNAV (GPS) RWY 09L RNAV (GPS) RWY 17 LOC-D The two RNAV approaches are straight-in to runways 09L and 17, respectively. The LOC-D ...
randomhead's user avatar
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6 votes
2 answers
4k views

How may I verify WAAS channel number on G1000?

Take RNAV (GPS) Y RWY 36L and RNAV (GPS) Z RWY 36L at APC for examples, All fixes and routes in the two approaches are similar. The noticeable differences that I observe are minimums and WAAS CH ...
CrepuscularV's user avatar
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5 votes
1 answer
367 views

When would these two fixes at KMEM be used?

When flying IFR into a class B airport you usually file a STAR at the end of your plan. After the last fix on the STAR you will then receive vectors from ATC to the approach for the assigned runway. ...
TomMcW's user avatar
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5 votes
1 answer
780 views

Do Jeppesen SIDs have top altitude?

FAA SID charts show the top altitude, the maximum altitude you can climb to when cleared for the SID. Do Jeppesen SID charts also show the top altitude? I checked some of them but couldn't find it. If ...
lemonincider's user avatar
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4 votes
4 answers
1k views

Is Turn and slip indicator a good back-up for the attitude indicator?

I was reading my Aircraft general knowledge book, and noticed something peculiar that was written. The book described that the turn and slip indicator works as a back-up in case of a malfunctioning ...
Julian's user avatar
  • 461
4 votes
6 answers
3k views

When do I execute a missed approach on a LOC approach when I can't identify the MAP?

According to AIM 5.4.21(b): When an early missed approach is executed [...] fly the IAP as specified on the approach plate to the MAP at or above the MDA or DH before executing a turning ...
mipnw's user avatar
  • 141
4 votes
1 answer
150 views

Are there any examples (real life cases) of invalid FMS data affecting flight operations?

Do you know of any real life cases, when invalid FMS data affected somehow the flight operations? By invalid FMS data I mean a case, when the procedure coding does not reflect properly the original ...
rgolcz's user avatar
  • 131
4 votes
3 answers
3k views

What are the "parts" of a SID procedure?

In the ARINC 424 (downloadable from this link), the following information about SIDs procedures is given in the section 5.7 Route Type (RT TYPE): As you can see, it appears to me that a procedure is ...
Federico Gentile's user avatar
4 votes
1 answer
2k views

Are 'climb via a SID' instructions actually used in the US?

In the USA, a departing aircraft is instructed to climb: to flight level and maintain, or via standard instrument departure (SID) That's according to US Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP). ...
Elmar's user avatar
  • 41
3 votes
2 answers
1k views

Under FAR Part 121, is it mandatory to execute a missed approach when unable to land within the touchdown zone?

If the crew of an aircraft operating under FAR Part 121 and conducting an instrument approach determines, as they begin their descent from the MDA/DA/DH, that they will be unable to touchdown within ...
user avatar
3 votes
1 answer
8k views

Is GLS (GBAS landing system) an RNAV approach?

PBN which is contrast to conventional navigation consists of RNAV and RNP. And I know that general RNAV approach of IAP has up to 4 minima such as LPV, LNAV, LNAV/VNAV, and LP. And I know that GLS ...
Min's user avatar
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2 votes
1 answer
6k views

What is an obstacle identification surface and why would a pilot intentionally penetrate it during an ILS approach?

What is an obstacle identification surface? Why would a pilot intentionally penetrate it during an ILS approach?
Ryan Mortensen's user avatar