If you’re an active IFR pilot or training to become one in the US, you have a choice of two instrument approach-plate providers. One is Jeppesen (now within Boeing Global Services), and the other is the US government, which provides plates known as digital terminal procedure publications—and often known to pilots by two outdated terms: National Aeronautical Charting Office or National Ocean Service plates, named after the offices that once produced them. Most airline and corporate pilots tend to use Jeppesen plates rather than the d-TPPs, though, these days, either can be made available on iPads, tablets and other airborne flight management systems. A Jeppesen subscription costs more than access to comparable d-TPP content. Generally, the majority of necessary IFR approach information is contained on a single Jeppesen chart, whereas the government plates require the pilot to check a few different locations, for example, when it comes to obstacle departure procedures. This month, we’re taking another look at the Van Nuys ILS Z Runway 16 Right chart as presented by these two different providers.
Two Kinds of Instrument Approach Charts
Key Takeaways:
- The article compares Jeppesen and U.S. government (d-TPP) instrument approach plates, the two primary options for IFR pilots, noting that Jeppesen is often preferred by airline/corporate pilots for its consolidated information and standardized layout despite being more expensive.
- Key differences in presentation include Jeppesen's specific "Briefing Strip" layout, distinct placement of the Minimum Sector Altitude (MSA), and a less cluttered depiction of terrain compared to d-TPPs.
- Pilots are cautioned to fully understand the specific data presentation and organization of their chosen approach plate provider, especially if switching between systems, to ensure safe and efficient operations.
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