AREA OF OPERATION VI: INSTRUMENT APPROACH PROCEDURES

Question 1

What minimum weather conditions must be forecast at your selected alternate airport with a nonprecision approach for it to be acceptable as an alternate?

Answer 1

Ceiling 800 ft. and visibility 2 SM.

Question 2

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.

Answer 2

The lowest altitude to which descent is authorized on the final approach segment of a nonprecision approach without adequate visual reference for landing.

Question 3

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.

Answer 3

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.

Question 4

Name and describe several types of nonprecision approaches.

Answer 4

VOR approach, NDB approach, GPS approach, LOC approach.

Question 5

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.

Answer 5

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.

Question 6

What are the differences between an SDF, an LDA, and a standard localizer (LOC)?

Answer 6

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.

Question 7

What methods can be used to define/determine the missed approach point (MAP) for a nonprecision approach?

Answer 7

Intersection, DME fix, NAVAID (VOR or NDB), or time from the FAF.

Question 8

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?

Answer 8

Momentarily level off to intercept the proper glide path.

Question 9

What minimum weather conditions must be forecast at your selected alternate airport with a precision approach for it to be acceptable as an alternate?

Answer 9

Ceiling 600 ft. and visibility 2 SM.

Question 10

What does the term “decision altitude” mean?

Answer 10

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.

Question 11

What does the term “decision height” mean?

Answer 11

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.

Question 12

What is the difference between decision altitude (DA) and decision height (DH)?

Answer 12

DA is in feet MSL, DH is in feet AGL.

Question 13

Explain the procedures for flying a typical precision approach that involves radar vectors to the final approach course.

Answer 13

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.

Question 14

Name and describe two types of precision approaches.

Answer 14

PAR: Controller provides accurate azimuth and elevation guidance. ILS: Uses localizer and glide slope transmitters for lateral and descent path guidance.

Question 15

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.

Answer 15

They include touchdown zone and fixed-distance markings to provide aiming points and inform the pilot of the remaining runway distance.

Question 16

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?

Answer 16

Make a slight correction toward the localizer and continue the approach without dramatic maneuvers.

Question 17

What is a missed approach point (MAP)?

Answer 17

The point at which the pilot must have the runway in sight or perform the prescribed missed approach procedures.

Question 18

Where is the missed approach point on an instrument landing system (ILS) approach?

Answer 18

When the aircraft arrives at the DA with the glide slope needle centered.

Question 19

When should you familiarize yourself with the missed approach procedure and get set up for it?

Answer 19

Before initiating the approach and be ready to perform the missed approach procedure before reaching the MAP or DA.

Question 20

What would cause you to execute a missed approach?

Answer 20

Either weather conditions do not allow for a safe landing, or lateral/vertical limits are not maintained during the approach.

Question 21

Under what circumstances is obstacle clearance assured during a missed approach?

Answer 21

Only when the missed approach is commenced at the published missed approach point or above the DA.

Question 22

Where is the entire missed approach procedure listed for a given approach?

Answer 22

In the pilot briefing section at the top of the approach plate.

Question 23

When initiating a missed approach, what information should you transmit to ATC?

Answer 23

Notify ATC that you are going missed and provide the reason.

Question 24

If you initiate a missed approach before reaching the MAP or DA, is it permissible to initiate a turn right away?

Answer 24

No, continue flying the approach course at or above MDA or DA until reaching the MAP, then initiate a turn if required.

Question 25

Is there any circumstance that would cause you to ignore the missed approach procedure after going missed?

Answer 25

Only if ATC instructs you to do otherwise.

Question 26

What is a circling approach?

Answer 26

An approach that allows an aircraft to maneuver to land on a runway that does not meet the criteria for a straight-in approach.

Question 27

Is there adequate obstacle clearance when performing a circling approach?

Answer 27

Yes, a minimum of 300 feet obstacle clearance is provided in the circling segment.

Question 28

Is obstacle clearance guaranteed for all aircraft within the circling approach area?

Answer 28

No, higher speed category aircraft may not be able to remain within the circling approach area, and PIC must ensure obstacle clearance.

Question 29

When is it permissible to descend below the circling minimum altitude?

Answer 29

Only when the airplane is in a position where a normal descent to landing can be made to the intended runway.

Question 30

What physical activity should be avoided during landing?

Answer 30

Sudden head movements to prevent disorientation.

Question 31

What illusion might you suffer from if you encounter haze on the final approach segment?

Answer 31

Haze can create the illusion of being higher over the runway or farther away, leading to an inadvertently low approach.

Question 32

How is resource management important during landing?

Answer 32

It reduces workload and stress, making the transition from flight to landing safer.

Question 33

What must you have in sight to descend below your MDA or DA?

Answer 33

The approach light system, threshold, threshold markings, threshold lights, VASI, REILs, touchdown zone lights or markings, or runway lights or markings.

Question 34

What are the limitations on the position of the aircraft prior to a descent for landing?

Answer 34

The aircraft must be continuously in a position that allows for a descent to landing using a normal descent rate and maneuvers.

Question 35

What is the other requirement to transition from the approach to a landing?

Answer 35

The flight visibility cannot be less than prescribed for the approach.

Question 36

Who is the ultimate authority on whether the flight visibility meets the minimums published for the approach?

Answer 36

The PIC is responsible for determining if flight visibility meets the minimums.

Question 37

When shooting a circling approach, what concern do you have when you break out of the clouds and prepare to land?

Answer 37

Remain clear of clouds and maintain visual on the runway environment; execute a missed approach if unable to maintain visual.

Question 38

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?

Answer 38

Not necessarily, as weather can change rapidly; be prepared for a missed approach.

Question 39

Is the ATC clearance to shoot the approach into an uncontrolled airport also a clearance to land?

Answer 39

No, monitor CTAF, check for other traffic, and use collision avoidance techniques.