Fine Print

One of the keys to safe and successful instrument flight is paying attention to details. Often the difference between arriving at your destination uneventfully and not arriving there at all after diverting is hidden in the notes and symbols on an approach chart. What does it mean when a procedure is marked as “not authorized”? Doesn’t ATC protect you by refusing to clear you for an unauthorized procedure?

Key Takeaways:

• It is solely the pilot-in-command's responsibility to identify and adhere to "not authorized" (NA) instrument approach procedures, as air traffic control (ATC) will issue clearances for requested procedures without verifying their authorization for the pilot's specific conditions.
• "NA" procedures are primarily identified through textual notes on approach charts, though a white "A" on a black triangle specifically denotes procedures unusable for filing an alternate airport.
• Common reasons for procedures being "NA" include time of day (e.g., night limitations due to unlighted obstacles or terrain), specific terrain/obstacle conflicts (e.g., restricted circling directions), and meteorological conditions like temperature extremes impacting baro-VNAV (GPS vertical guidance) accuracy.

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