AREA OF OPERATION VI: INSTRUMENT APPROACH PROCEDURES Flashcards
What minimum weather conditions must be forecast at your selected alternate airport with a nonprecision approach for it to be acceptable as an alternate?
Ceiling 800 ft. and visibility 2 SM.
What does the phrase “minimum descent altitude (MDA)” mean?
The lowest altitude to which descent is authorized on the ___________ ___________ segment of a _____________ approach without adequate _____________ reference for landing.
The lowest altitude to which descent is authorized on the final approach segment of a nonprecision approach without adequate visual reference for landing.
What is a visual descent point (VDP)?
A defined point on a ___________, _____________ approach from which a normal descent from the _____________ to the runway may begin if _____________ reference is established.
A defined point on a nonprecision, straight-in approach from which a normal descent from the MDA to the runway may begin if visual reference is established.
Name and describe several types of nonprecision approaches.
VOR approach, NDB approach, GPS approach, LOC approach.
Explain the procedures for flying a typical nonprecision approach that incorporates a procedure turn.
Proceed to the ____________, head outbound on the reciprocal of the inbound course, perform a ____________ turn to re-intercept the approach course inbound, and ____________ to appropriate altitudes.
Proceed to the IAF, head outbound on the reciprocal of the inbound course, perform a procedure turn to re-intercept the approach course inbound, and descend to appropriate altitudes.
What are the differences between an SDF, an LDA, and a standard localizer (LOC)?
SDF: 6° or 12° course width, no glide slope. LDA: Not aligned with runway, may have glide slope. LOC: 3° to 6° course width, aligned with runway.
What methods can be used to define/determine the missed approach point (MAP) for a nonprecision approach?
Intersection, DME fix, NAVAID (VOR or NDB), or time from the FAF.
If you break out of the clouds at the MDA for a nonprecision approach to a runway with a VASI system and you are below the glide slope, what should you do?
Momentarily level off to intercept the proper glide path.
What minimum weather conditions must be forecast at your selected alternate airport with a precision approach for it to be acceptable as an alternate?
Ceiling 600 ft. and visibility 2 SM.
What does the term “decision altitude” mean?
The height in feet MSL at which a decision must be made on a precision approach to continue the approach or execute a missed approach.
What does the term “decision height” mean?
The height in feet AGL at which a decision must be made on a precision approach to continue the approach or execute a missed approach.
What is the difference between decision altitude (DA) and decision height (DH)?
DA is in feet MSL, DH is in feet AGL.
Explain the procedures for flying a typical precision approach that involves radar vectors to the final approach course.
Receive vectors from ATC to intercept the inbound course, set the inbound course on the VOR or HSI, and follow the vectors to the FAF for a stabilized approach.
Name and describe two types of precision approaches.
PAR: Controller provides accurate azimuth and elevation guidance. ILS: Uses localizer and glide slope transmitters for lateral and descent path guidance.
Describe precision instrument runway markings. What is their purpose?
They include _________ ___________ and fixed-distance markings to provide ___________ ___________ and inform the pilot of the remaining ___________ distance.
They include touchdown zone and fixed-distance markings to provide aiming points and inform the pilot of the remaining runway distance.
If you find yourself two dots off the localizer as you approach DA, but the runway is still not in sight, what is your best course of action?
Make a slight correction toward the localizer and continue the approach without dramatic maneuvers.
What is a missed approach point (MAP)?
The point at which the pilot must have the runway in sight or perform the prescribed missed approach procedures.
Where is the missed approach point on an instrument landing system (ILS) approach?
When the aircraft arrives at the DA with the glide slope needle centered.
When should you familiarize yourself with the missed approach procedure and get set up for it?
Before initiating the approach and be ready to perform the missed approach procedure before reaching the MAP or DA.
What would cause you to execute a missed approach?
Either weather conditions do not allow for a safe landing, or lateral/vertical limits are not maintained during the approach.
Under what circumstances is obstacle clearance assured during a missed approach?
Only when the missed approach is commenced at the published missed approach point or above the DA.
Where is the entire missed approach procedure listed for a given approach?
In the pilot briefing section at the top of the approach plate.
When initiating a missed approach, what information should you transmit to ATC?
Notify ATC that you are going missed and provide the reason.
If you initiate a missed approach before reaching the MAP or DA, is it permissible to initiate a turn right away?
No, continue flying the approach course at or above MDA or DA until reaching the MAP, then initiate a turn if required.
Is there any circumstance that would cause you to ignore the missed approach procedure after going missed?
Only if ATC instructs you to do otherwise.
What is a circling approach?
An approach that allows an aircraft to maneuver to land on a runway that does not meet the criteria for a straight-in approach.
Is there adequate obstacle clearance when performing a circling approach?
Yes, a minimum of 300 feet obstacle clearance is provided in the circling segment.
Is obstacle clearance guaranteed for all aircraft within the circling approach area?
No, higher speed category aircraft may not be able to remain within the circling approach area, and PIC must ensure obstacle clearance.
When is it permissible to descend below the circling minimum altitude?
Only when the airplane is in a position where a normal descent to landing can be made to the intended runway.
What physical activity should be avoided during landing?
Sudden head movements to prevent disorientation.
What illusion might you suffer from if you encounter haze on the final approach segment?
Haze can create the illusion of being higher over the runway or farther away, leading to an inadvertently low approach.
How is resource management important during landing?
It reduces workload and stress, making the transition from flight to landing safer.
What must you have in sight to descend below your MDA or DA?
The approach light system, threshold, threshold markings, threshold lights, VASI, REILs, touchdown zone lights or markings, or runway lights or markings.
What are the limitations on the position of the aircraft prior to a descent for landing?
The aircraft must be continuously in a position that allows for a descent to landing using a normal descent rate and maneuvers.
What is the other requirement to transition from the approach to a landing?
The flight visibility cannot be less than prescribed for the approach.
Who is the ultimate authority on whether the flight visibility meets the minimums published for the approach?
The PIC is responsible for determining if flight visibility meets the minimums.
When shooting a circling approach, what concern do you have when you break out of the clouds and prepare to land?
Remain clear of clouds and maintain visual on the runway environment; execute a missed approach if unable to maintain visual.
If the airplane ahead of you reports the runway environment in sight and makes a landing, does that suggest you will have the same experience?
Not necessarily, as weather can change rapidly; be prepared for a missed approach.
Is the ATC clearance to shoot the approach into an uncontrolled airport also a clearance to land?
No, monitor CTAF, check for other traffic, and use collision avoidance techniques.