Flying Into Procedure Turns

It seems pretty obvious-start the procedure turn (PT) past the remain within fix and dont exceed the specified distance. But, there are other considerations such as having enough time and distance to make the FAF altitude inbound. Then, theres the Buchannan Field VOR Runway 19R approach at Concord, CA (KCCR). Here, the chart clearly shows that the procedure turn begins after HUKVI. Or does it?

Frank Bowlin

Tuesday, February 02, 2016 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

Procedure turns (PTs) are the default for non-vectored approaches unless explicitly prohibited, offering pilots flexibility in execution method (e.g., 45/180, teardrop) while adhering to "remain-within" distances.
The chart's depiction of a PT is a graphic convenience; the actual start point is determined by pilot calculation to ensure sufficient distance and time to descend to the Final Approach Fix (FAF) altitude inbound.
Pilots are responsible for calculating the optimal PT start based on aircraft speed and descent rate, as common GPS/autoflight systems do not integrate vertical navigation for approach descent planning during the PT.

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It seems pretty obvious—start the procedure turn (PT) past the “remain within” fix and don’t exceed the specified distance. But, there are other considerations such as having enough time and distance to make the FAF altitude inbound.

Then, there’s the Buchannan Field VOR Runway 19R approach at Concord, CA (KCCR). Here, the chart clearly shows that the procedure turn begins after HUKVI. Or does it?