Fly the Hook

Establish yourself on the reciprocal of the ILS localizer course, 351 degrees, and fly outbound on the localizer. Since youre outbound on the front course, remember to correct away from the needle on the localizer. (See, Reverse Sensing and Reverse Sensing-HSI in the June and July 2016 issues.) Two minutes is usual. Then turn to the outbound procedure turn heading of 036 degrees. The Instrument Flying Handbook specifies flying that heading for 40 seconds, although many of us were taught to fly it for a full minute. Either is fine so long as you remain inside the limit. Then, make a standard-rate left turn to 216 degrees and join the 171-degree localizer.

Key Takeaways:

• The article highlights a concerning decline in knowledge about procedure turns among new instrument pilots and instructors, attributing it to the modern focus on RNAV approaches over older ground-based ones.
• Procedure turns are essential for reversing direction, descending, or intercepting an inbound approach course, with specific execution guidelines regarding headings, timings, altitudes, and distance limits (e.g., 45/180 turns, teardrops).
• Pilots are required to fly a procedure turn unless explicitly waived by ATC (cleared straight-in, vectors to final, or "NoPT" on the chart), and should always seek clarification from ATC if unsure.
• Despite their declining use in favor of RNAV, proficiency in procedure turns remains a mandatory skill for instrument-rated pilots, as they are still integral to nearly 2000 existing VOR approaches.

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