Fly the Hook

Establish yourself on the reciprocal of the ILS localizer course, 351 degrees, and fly outbound on the localizer. Since youre outbound on the front course, remember to correct away from the needle on the localizer. (See, Reverse Sensing and Reverse Sensing-HSI in the June and July 2016 issues.) Two minutes is usual. Then turn to the outbound procedure turn heading of 036 degrees. The Instrument Flying Handbook specifies flying that heading for 40 seconds, although many of us were taught to fly it for a full minute. Either is fine so long as you remain inside the limit. Then, make a standard-rate left turn to 216 degrees and join the 171-degree localizer.

Key Takeaways:

• Procedure turns are a fundamental instrument flying skill, essential for many traditional ground-based approaches despite a modern focus on RNAV procedures.
• They are designed to reverse direction, facilitate descent, or intercept an inbound approach course, requiring adherence to specific altitudes and protected airspace limits.
• A pilot must execute a procedure turn unless specifically cleared straight-in, receiving radar vectors, the chart explicitly states "NoPT," or for timed approaches from a holding fix; in case of ambiguity, clarification from ATC is crucial.
• While a standard 45-degree turn is commonly depicted, pilots have flexibility in executing various patterns (e.g., 80/260, teardrop, racetrack) as long as they remain within the established protected airspace and charted requirements.

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