Instrument approach plates contain considerable amounts of valuable information. But that information only has value to a pilot who understands the symbology displayed on the chart and possesses a reasonable understanding of the ATC system and the procedures around which the approach was created.
All too often, pilots expect air traffic control to simply use radar to vector them for a straight-in approach, and quickly find themselves thrown off their game when ATC turns out to have other plans. Here’s a quiz to test your ILS acumen.
1. What designates the missed approach point on the ILS RWY 35R?
a. Upon reaching 1.4 DME, using the ILS DME readout. b. Upon reaching 1.4 DME, using the IIU VOR. c. Upon reaching the decision height of 680 feet msl. d. When 2 minutes, 57 seconds have elapsed after passing the final approach fix, assuming the aircraft is flying at 120 knots.
2. Can a pilot approaching from the west overfly the FTK VOR to establish the aircraft on the approach?
a. Yes, if the pilot then tracks to BRBON on the 106-degree radial. b. No, this procedure is not authorized because it takes the aircraft through a restricted area. c. Yes, but only if the pilot can identify PGSUS using GPS.
3. If approach control told the pilot flying the ILS to expect a sidestep to RWY 35L, to what minimum altitude should the pilot descend?
a. 820’ msl b. 1,380’ msl c. 1,040’ msl d. 680’ msl
4. While being vectored for the ILS RWY 35R, a pilot intercepts the localizer at 16 miles from the airport. When may the aircraft descend from 4,000 feet?
a. Once established inbound within a scale localizer deflection. b. Only within 13.4 DME after passing PGSUS and established within a scale localizer deflection. c. After passing CFBPN inbound with a scale localizer deflection. d. Only if cleared by ATC to descend further.
Here are the answers to the July 2017 Chart Wise quiz:
What designates the missed approach point on the ILS R/W 35R? Answer: C
Can a pilot approaching from the west overfly FTK VOR to establish the aircraft on the approach? Answer: A
If approach control told the pilot to flying the ILS to expect a sidestep to R/W 35L, to what minimum altitude should the pilot descend? Answer: C
When being vectored for the ILS 35R, the pilot intercepts the localizer at 16 miles from the airport. When may the aircraft descend from 4,000 feet? Answer: B
