Simple in principle, procedure turns can turn ugly if the pilot and the controller aren’t on the same page. GPS has made this worse, not better. But that’s easily remedied.
PT in the days of RNAV
It used to be the procedure turn (PT) was the lynchpin of many an instrument approach. Youd track to the VOR or NDB station located on the airport, fly outbound, use a PT to reverse course, and fly back to the station on a specific course while descending to the specified minimum descent altitude. If you didnt visually acquire the airport, locating the missed approach point was a simple matter of identifying station passage.
Key Takeaways:
- Procedure turns (PTs) and holding patterns in lieu of PTs (HILOs) are essential course reversal maneuvers on instrument approaches, performed using various techniques like barb turns, teardrops, or holding patterns.
- While GPS can enhance situational awareness during PTs, pilots must actively manage their GPS settings to correctly load or remove these maneuvers and ensure they align with ATC clearances.
- Clear communication with Air Traffic Control (ATC) is crucial to confirm whether a PT or HILO is required, particularly with direct-to clearances or radar vectors, to comply with regulations.
- Pilots should maintain proficiency in flying PTs and HILOs, as these skills are vital for situations where radar vectors are unavailable, and proper GPS management is key.
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