Instrument Approaches Flashcards
What are the 3 categories of approach?
- Precision - Precision approaches include ILS (Instrument Landing System) approaches, which provide both lateral and vertical guidance, and LPV (Localizer Performance with Vertical Guidance) approaches, which use GPS technology to provide similar guidance.
- Non-precision - approaches include VOR approaches, NDB (Non-Directional Beacon) approaches, and RNAV (Area Navigation) approaches, which provide only lateral guidance.
- Circling?
What is non-precision
Flying the airplane along a route and descending to an Minimum Descent Altitude (MDA) and looking for the runway from there.
What is a precision approach
Flying the airplane along route and glide path to a Decision Altitude (DA). If the runway is not in sight at the DA then you execute a missed approach. DA is MSL, sometimes it’s Decision Height (DH) which is AGL.
What is the optimum approach angle?
3 Degrees
What is the formula to find the required descent rate?
(Ground speed/2) * 10 = FPM
How far from the runway is the glideslope path intercepted?
About 7 miles
What is RVR?
RVR stands for Runway Visual Range, and it is a measure of visibility used in aviation. It refers to the distance a pilot can see down the runway from the cockpit during landing or takeoff in low visibility conditions, such as fog, rain, or snow.
RVR is measured using equipment that calculates the distance at which specific runway markings or lights can be seen. The visibility is reported in feet or meters, and different RVR values are associated with different levels of visibility. For example, an RVR of 2,000 feet means that a pilot can see down the runway for 2,000 feet, while an RVR of 600 feet means that the pilot can only see down the runway for 600 feet.
What is a procedure turn?
Procedure turns are used to reverse direction and establish the aircraft inbound on an intermediate or final approach course.
When is a procedure turn not required?
When NoPT is on the chart
Receiving radar vectors on final
When conducting a timed approach
When procedure turn is not authorized
How should turns be done in a holding pattern?
Standard turn, but not more than 30 degrees
What are the 3 different types of entry into a holding pattern?
Parallel, Direct, and Teardrop
What are the categories (A,B,C,D,E)?
Category A: Aircraft with an approach speed of less than 91 knots
Category B: Aircraft with an approach speed of 91 knots or more but less than 121 knots
Category C: Aircraft with an approach speed of 121 knots or more but less than 141 knots
Category D: Aircraft with an approach speed of 141 knots or more but less than 166 knots
Category E: Aircraft with an approach speed of 166 knots or more
These categories are used to determine the minimum descent altitude (MDA) and visibility required for each category during instrument approaches. As the approach speed increases, the MDA and visibility required also increase. This means that aircraft in higher categories generally require better visibility and a lower minimum descent altitude to land safely during instrument approaches.
What is VDP and how can I find it on chart?
Visual Descent Point, generally defined as a GPS or DME fix. A point that means you can descend at a normal rate to the touchdown point without hitting a tree, wires, etc.
Marked by a V on the approach chart.
What are the different types of GPS approaches?
- LNAV - most basic, provides left/right guidance. Relies on step down fixes for descending
- LPV: Localizer Performance and Vertical guidance - most precise, provides lateral and vertical guidance to runway, requires WAAS capable GPS. Goes to a DA (decision altitude, not an MDA)
- LP - Requires WAAS capable GPS, same precise lateral course as LPV, but uses the fixes as step down points on the approach, flown down to the MDA,, typically offers lower minimums.
What does it mean on a chart when you see: VGSI and R-NAV glidepath not coincident
That you can break out of the clouds and be above the glide path on the vasi.