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 crucial for determining available instrument approach minimums (e.g., straight-in vs. circling) and classify runways as visual, non-precision, or precision instrument types.
Specific runway markings like the designator, centerline, threshold, aiming points, and touchdown zones each serve distinct purposes in guiding pilots during take-off and landing.
These markings, alongside lighting, significantly influence operational minimums, provide essential visual references, and are key to maintaining situational awareness and safety, including in complex scenarios like crossing runways.

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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.