The AIM and the ATC bible, the 7110.65, say different things about clearing an aircraft direct to an intermediate fix. If you’re not careful, you may end up in a fix yourself.
Straight to the middle
When youre flying a high-tech aircraft, you expect any fix the controller throws at you will be ready to go in your database. Thats probably why an Eclipse pilot accepted a clearance to JISEV for the ILS Rwy 22 approach into Evansville, Ind. JISEV is an intermediate fix (IF) for the approach, and clearing the aircraft to it and then for the approach acts as a proxy for vectoring the aircraft onto the final approach course. Neat and simple for everyone.
Key Takeaways:
- A current discrepancy exists between the AIM and ATC's regulatory 7110.65 regarding clearing RNAV aircraft direct to intermediate fixes (IFs) for instrument approaches, particularly non-GPS/RNAV types.
- The FAA plans to update its guidance, allowing RNAV aircraft to be cleared direct to an IF for any approach type, provided specific conditions like intercept angle are met.
- New rules will also require pilots to fly Hold-in-Lieu-of-Procedure-Turn (HILO) at FAFs (that are also IAFs) regardless of their approach angle, effectively ending the "straight-in" clearance option for such scenarios.
- Pilots are ultimately responsible for accepting only clearances they can execute and should confirm their ability to comply or request alternatives when unsure.
Key takeaways sponsored by Aviator Pro | Start Your Training ->
See a mistake? Contact us.
