The Power of Paint

Look at the RNAV (GPS)-A approach at Naples, FL (KAPF). Seems like it is a straight-in approach to Runway 32 but it only has circling minimums. There are three conditions stated in the FAA Instrument Procedures Handbook (FAA-H-8038-16B) preventing straight-in minimums: 1) The final approach course alignment with the runway centerline exceeds 30 degrees, which isn't the case here. 2) The descent gradient is greater than 400 feet/NM from the FAF to the threshold crossing height (TCH). The actual descent gradient here is 316 feet/NM. 3) A runway is not clearly defined on the airfield. This is all that's left.

Editorial Staff

Tuesday, January 28, 2020 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

Runway markings are critical for instrument flight procedures, dictating approach minimums (e.g., straight-in vs. circling) and influencing take-off visibility requirements based on their presence and type.
Various runway markings (e.g., designators, centerlines, aiming points, touchdown zones) provide essential visual cues that enhance pilot situational awareness and safety during both instrument and visual flight.
At complex intersections, runway markings are prioritized by approach precision (e.g., CAT III over CAT II) to clearly delineate primary runways and ensure safe operations.

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Look at the RNAV (GPS)-A approach at Naples, FL (KAPF). Seems like it is a straight-in approach to Runway 32 but it only has circling minimums. There are three conditions stated in the FAA Instrument Procedures Handbook (FAA-H-8038-16B) preventing straight-in minimums: 1) The final approach course alignment with the runway centerline exceeds 30 degrees, which isn’t the case here. 2) The descent gradient is greater than 400 feet/NM from the FAF to the threshold crossing height (TCH). The actual descent gradient here is 316 feet/NM. 3) A runway is not clearly defined on the airfield. This is all that’s left.

The FAA interpretation is that Runway 32 does not have instrument-runway markings; i.e. lacks the paint to make the runway clearly defined. Of course, lack of straight-in minimums doesn’t prevent a straight-in landing, so long as you use the circling minimums.