Pilots Cafe Pg. 4

Question 1

Which first condition must be met?

Answer 1

The aircraft is in a position a descent to landing can be made at a normal rate of decent using normal maneuvers.

Question 2

Which second condition must be met?

Answer 2

The flight visibility is not less than visibility prescribed in the approach being used?

Question 3

What is the third requirement? At least one of the following visible:

Answer 3

1. The approach lighting system is visible. You may descend below 100 feet above TDZE only if red terminating bars or red side row bars are visible.
2. The threshold.
3. The threshold markings.
4. The threshold lights.
5. The runway end identifier lights.
6. The visual approach slope indicator.
7. The touchdown zone or markings.
8. The touchdown zone lights.
9. The runway or runway markings.
10. The runway lights.

Question 4

When do you not fly a procedure turn? (S.H.A.R.P.T.T.)

Answer 4

• Straight in approach
• Holding in lieu of a procedure turn
• Arc
• Radar vectored to final approach course.
• NoPT depicted on chart
• Timed approach
• Teardrop course reversal.

Question 5

What should you include in position reports? (I.P.T.A.N.E.S)

Answer 5

• ID
• Position
• Time/type of flight plan
• Altitude
• Name of next fix
• ETA Next fix
• Supplemental info

Question 6

When can you descend to the next segment of an instrument approach?

Answer 6

When cleared for the approach and established on a segment of a published approach or route.

Question 7

Is the clearance limit a fix from which the approach begins? Yes?

Answer 7

• Start descent and approach as close as possible to the EFC, or ETA (if no EFC given).

Question 8

Is the clearance limit a fix from which the approach begins? No?

Answer 8

At EFC or clearance limit (if no EFC given), proceed to a fix from which an approach begins and start the approach.

Question 9

Lost communication procedure. What altitude do you fly?

Answer 9

M.E.A. Fly the highest among:

• Minimum enroute altitude (or altitude prescribed for IFR)
• Expected Altitude
• Last altitude assigned by ATC

Question 10

Lost communication procedure. What route do you fly?

Answer 10

A.V.E.F. - select route by the following order

• Assigned route, if none:
• Vectored (Fly to the fix/route/airway last vectored too), if none:
• Expected route by ATC, if none:
• Filed Route

Question 11

Approach clearances - what’s a contact approach?

Answer 11

• Must be requested by the pilot.
• Requires at least 1SM ground visibility and clear of clouds.
• Available only at airports with approach procedures.

Question 12

Approach clearances. Visual approach?

Answer 12

Initiated by either ATC or the pilot.
Requires at least 1000’ feeling or 3SM visibility (IFR under VMC).
Pilot must have airport or traffic to follow in sight.

Question 13

What is the visual descent point?

Answer 13

• A defined point on a non precision approach where a normal descent from the MDA to the touchdown point may begin provided visual reference is established.