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No Initial Fix Needed

Back when I used to teach science classes for elementary school students and their teachers, we used to say that a great question was one that generated an answer plus two more questions. Such it is with the RNAV (GPS) Rwy 33 approach to Easton, Md.

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Key Takeaways:

  • The "RADAR REQUIRED" notation on the RNAV (GPS) Rwy 33 approach to Easton, MD, is due to the absence of an Initial Approach Fix (IAF).
  • Without an IAF, there is no published route for pilots to legally transition from the en route environment to the approach, necessitating ATC radar vectors.
  • FAA TERPS guidance mandates "RADAR REQUIRED" when radar is the only method for procedure entry from the en route environment onto an approach's intermediate leg.
  • The creation of these "headless" approaches (lacking IAFs) is typically requested by local ATC authorities, possibly due to concerns about proximity to restricted airspace or ADIZ boundaries.
See a mistake? Contact us.

Back when I used to teach science classes for elementary school students and their teachers, we used to say that a great question was one that generated an answer plus two more questions. Such it is with the RNAV (GPS) Rwy 33 approach to Easton, Md.

The question was simple: Why would a GPS approach say “RADAR REQUIRED”? It’s GPS, for crying out loud. We can go anywhere without radar vectors, so long as there’s a safe altitude to fly. Who cares if there’s radar?

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