Approach Plates Flashcards
What is the FAF on a precision approach?
Glideslope intercept
Identified by the lightning bolt.
What is the FAF on a non-precision approach?
Maltese Cross (X)
It is a specific point on the approach.
How are approach categories determined?
By taking the aircraft’s stalling speed in landing configuration (VSO) and multiplying it by 1.3
This gives an artificial reference speed (Vref).
What is the formula to calculate Vref?
VSO x 1.3 = Vref
What category does the B-737 belong to?
Category C
What category does the B-737 fall under when executing a circling approach?
Category D
All aircraft raise a category when circling.
What type of approach is considered a precision approach?
ILS is the ONLY precision approach.
What are the 4 components of an ILS?
G, L, A, M
G – Glideslope, L – Localizer, A – Approach Light System, M – Marker Beacons.
What is happening at the FAF for pilots?
Pilots are established and stable on the final approach segment.
How do pilots execute the missed approach?
By following the directions outlined on the approach plate.
Are obstacles on an approach plate measured in AGL or MSL?
MSL (mean sea level) for everything except HAT, which is AGL.
What does DA stand for?
Decision Altitude
What is DA used for?
To determine if a pilot can land or needs to go missed on precision approaches.
What does MDA stand for?
Minimum Descent Altitude
What is MDA used for?
The lowest altitude a pilot levels off at prior to the FAF on non-precision approaches.
What happens if the Localizer is lost on an ILS?
The approach is unusable.
What can be attempted if the glideslope is lost?
A localizer approach may be attempted.
What are the ILS categories (DH and RVR)?
I, II, III
Categories with respective DH and RVR values.
What does a back triangle with the letter ‘A’ inside mean on an approach plate?
Nonstandard Alternate Minimums
What does ‘N/A’ next to the ‘A’ signify?
The specific approach is not available as an alternate.
What are the standard alternate minimums for precision and non-precision approaches?
Precision: 600-2, Non-Precision: 800-2
What does the black D near the airport diagram denote?
Declared Distances
What are the types of declared distances?
TORA, TODA, ASDA, LDA
TORA – Takeoff Runway Available, TODA – Takeoff Distance Available, ASDA – Accelerate Stop Distance Available, LDA – Landing Distance Available.
What are the standard takeoff visibility minimums for 2-engine and 3+ engine aircraft?
2-engine: 1SM, 3+ engine: 1/2SM
What does ‘Radar Required’ mean on an approach plate?
ATC’s radar must be in working order to fly the approach.
What does ‘DME Required’ indicate on an approach plate?
The aircraft must be equipped with DME.
Is there a HAT when flying a circling approach?
No, there is an HAA (Height Above Airport).
What options are available if an airport is below landing minimums as the aircraft approaches?
Hold until weather clears or divert to an alternate airport.
Can pilots attempt an approach if the airport’s reported ceiling is below approach plate minimums but visibility is above landing minimums?
Yes, up until the FAF.
Can you dispatch a flight to an airport reporting below landing minima?
No.
