Approach Charts & Instrument Approach Plates

Question 1

Prove that your charts are current.

Answer 1

Check the effective and expiration dates printed on the chart. For enroute charts and approach plates, verify the dates in the legend or the top/bottom margin. Digital charts (e.g., ForeFlight) often update automatically, but you must confirm synchronization with the current cycle.

Ref: AIM 5-1-16

Question 2

What does the number on the farthest top-right corner of your approach plate stand for?

Answer 2

The number represents the revision number of the chart, indicating how many updates the chart has undergone since its original publication.

Ref: Instrument Flying Handbook (IFH), Chapter 5

Question 3

What are the different sections of an approach plate called? (4)

Answer 3

Briefing Strip: Includes essential information like airport name, procedure title, and frequencies.

Plan View: Overhead depiction of the procedure with navaids, waypoints, and course lines.

Profile View: Side-view diagram showing altitudes and distances for the approach.

Minimums Section: Lists minimum altitudes for various categories and any applicable notes.

Ref: IFH, Chapter 5

Question 4

When an approach procedure title contains more than one navigational system separated by a slash, what does that mean?

Answer 4

It indicates that the approach can be flown using either system, but not both simultaneously (e.g., “VOR/DME RWY 27” requires both VOR and DME capabilities).

Ref: AIM 5-4-5

Question 5

What is the significance of a blank triangle with a white “A” or a “T” on the notes section of an approach chart?

Answer 5

White “A”: Indicates alternate minimums are published for the airport. Check the alternate minimums section for details.

“T”: Indicates takeoff minimums or obstacle departure procedures are published.

Ref: AIM 5-4-1

Question 6

What does MSA mean?

Answer 6

Minimum Safe Altitude (or Minimum Sector Altitude). It is depicted on approach charts and provides 1,000 feet of obstacle clearance within a specific radius (e.g., 25 NM) from a navigation facility or waypoint.

Ref: AIM 5-4-7

Question 7

What does MSA guarantee?

Answer 7

It guarantees obstacle clearance but does not ensure NAVAID signal reception or ATC communication coverage.

Ref: AIM 5-4-7

Question 8

What does MALSR stand for?

Answer 8

Medium Intensity Approach Lighting System with Runway Alignment Indicator Lights. It assists pilots in aligning with the runway during low-visibility conditions.

Ref: IFH, Chapter 6

Question 9

What does MIRL and HIRL stand for?

Answer 9

MIRL: Medium Intensity Runway Lights.

HIRL: High Intensity Runway Lights.

These systems improve runway visibility in various weather conditions.

Ref: AIM 2-1-2

Question 10

What is ARP?

Answer 10

Airport Reference Point. It is the geographic center of the airport’s runway configuration, used for planning and charting.

Ref: AIM Glossary

Question 11

What is TDZE?

Answer 11

Touchdown Zone Elevation. It is the highest point in the first 3,000 feet of the landing surface. Used to calculate approach minimums.

Ref: AIM 5-4-7

Question 12

What is RVR? How do you convert it to visibility?

Answer 12

Runway Visual Range (RVR) measures horizontal visibility along a runway. Conversion depends on lighting and specific regulations. For example, RVR 1,600 feet roughly equals 1/4 statute mile visibility.

Ref: AIM 5-4-3

Question 13

What is HAT? HAA?

Answer 13

HAT: Height Above Touchdown, used for precision approaches.

HAA: Height Above Airport, used for circling approaches.

Ref: IFH, Chapter 5

Question 14

What is the difference between DA and DH?

Answer 14

DA: Decision Altitude, an MSL altitude for precision approaches.

DH: Decision Height, an AGL height for older systems. Both indicate the point where a decision to land or go around is made.

Ref: IFH, Chapter 5

Question 15

What is the difference between MDA and MDH?

Answer 15

MDA: Minimum Descent Altitude, expressed in MSL.

MDH: Minimum Descent Height, expressed in AGL.

Used for non-precision approaches.

Ref: IFH, Chapter 5

Question 16

What does a Maltese Cross represent?

Answer 16

It marks the Final Approach Fix (FAF) for non-precision approaches.

Ref: AIM 5-4-7

Question 17

What does IAF stand for?

Answer 17

Initial Approach Fix. It is the starting point of an instrument approach procedure.

Ref: AIM 5-4-6

Question 18

When is a procedure turn not required?

Answer 18

Cleared for a straight-in approach.

Flying a NoPT route.
Radar vectors to final.

Holding pattern substitutes the turn.

Ref: AIM 5-4-9

Question 19

Have the student pull up an arrival into airport KHYI, and ask how they would execute it.

Answer 19

Answer: Review the STAR (Standard Terminal Arrival Route) for KHYI. Identify transition points, altitudes, and speed restrictions. Confirm all waypoints are loaded in the FMS or GPS. Monitor ATIS/AWOS for active runways and approach procedures. Brief the approach and ensure compliance with ATC instructions. Verify crossing restrictions and maintain situational awareness using the chart.

Ref: AIM 5-4-1

Question 20

What are the segments of an instrument approach?

Answer 20

Initial Segment: Begins at the Initial Approach Fix (IAF) and transitions to the intermediate segment.

Intermediate Segment: Begins at the Intermediate Fix (IF) and aligns the aircraft with the final approach course.

Final Segment: Begins at the Final Approach Fix (FAF) and leads to the missed approach point or landing.

Missed Approach Segment: Begins at the missed approach point (MAP) or decision altitude (DA).

Ref: AIM 5-4-5

Question 21

Where does the initial segment begin?

Answer 21

At the Initial Approach Fix (IAF).

Ref: AIM 5-4-5

Question 22

Where does the intermediate segment begin?

Answer 22

At the Intermediate Fix (IF) or where the aircraft is inbound and aligned with the approach course.

Ref: AIM 5-4-5

Question 23

Where does the final segment begin?

Answer 23

At the Final Approach Fix (FAF) for non-precision approaches or at the glide slope intercept for precision approaches.

Ref: AIM 5-4-5

Question 24

Where does the missed approach segment begin?

Answer 24

At the Missed Approach Point (MAP) for non-precision approaches or at the Decision Altitude (DA) for precision approaches.

Ref: AIM 5-4-5

Question 25

What are TAA’s and where are they located?

Answer 25

Terminal Arrival Areas (TAAs) are defined areas that provide a seamless transition from the enroute structure to the terminal environment. They are found on RNAV approaches and depict areas with specific altitudes for safe descent.

Ref: AIM 5-4-6

Question 26

What are the limitations for procedure turns?

Answer 26

A procedure turn is limited to a maximum speed of 200 knots IAS and must be executed within the charted distance, typically 10 NM from the fix.

Ref: AIM 5-4-9

Question 27

Within what distance must the procedure turn maneuver be executed? (AIM 5-4-9)

Answer 27

It must be completed within the distance specified on the approach chart, typically 10 NM.

Ref: AIM 5-4-9

Question 28

What is the difference between precision and non-precision approaches?

Answer 28

Precision Approach: Provides both lateral and vertical guidance (e.g., ILS, GLS).

Non-Precision Approach: Provides only lateral guidance (e.g., VOR, NDB, LNAV).

Ref: IFH, Chapter 5

Question 29

Name the types of precision and non-precision approaches.

Answer 29

Precision: ILS, GLS, PAR (Precision Approach Radar).

Non-Precision: VOR, NDB, LNAV, LOC, LDA, SDF.

Ref: AIM 5-4-5

Question 30

What are the aircraft approach categories based on? (i.e., A, B, C) (AIM 5-4-7)

Answer 30

Approach categories are based on 1.3 times the stall speed (Vso) in landing configuration:
Category A: Up to 90 knots.
Category B: 91–120 knots.
Category C: 121–140 knots.

Ref: AIM 5-4-7

Question 31

Can you use a different category? When?

Answer 31

Yes, if the actual approach speed falls within a higher category due to operational considerations, you must use the higher category minimums.

Ref: AIM 5-4-7

Question 32

When can you descend from the enroute altitude?

Answer 32

When cleared by ATC to a lower altitude or when established on a published segment of an instrument approach.

Ref: AIM 4-4-3

Question 33

When flying an IAP, when can you descend below MDA, DA/DH? (91.175)

Answer 33

Descent below MDA/DA/DH is only allowed when:
The required visual references for the runway are in sight.
The aircraft is in a position to make a normal landing.

Ref: FAR 91.175

Question 34

When can you land? (91.175)

Answer 34

The runway environment is clearly visible.

The aircraft can execute a normal descent and landing within the touchdown zone.

Ref: FAR 91.175

Question 35

How can you determine in-flight visibility?

Answer 35

Estimate visibility by referencing known distances to landmarks, runway markings, or beacon lights. Compare this against visibility minima.

Ref: AIM 7-1-13

Question 36

Define a stabilized approach.

Answer 36

An approach is stabilized when the aircraft is:

On glide path.

Correctly configured.

At a safe speed.

Only minor adjustments are needed to maintain the approach.

Ref: IFH, Chapter 5

Question 37

What are the major differences between an LDA and SDF approach?

Answer 37

LDA (Localizer Directional Aid): Provides localizer guidance but is not aligned with the runway.

SDF (Simplified Directional Facility): Provides less precise localizer guidance with a wider course width.

Ref: AIM 5-4-5

Question 38

Define a VDP. In what kind of approach would you find one?

Answer 38

Visual Descent Point (VDP) is a defined point on a non-precision approach where a descent from MDA to the runway can be made if visual references are in sight.

Ref: AIM 5-4-5