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Fly the Procedure Turn

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Procedure turns are never optional; pilots either must or may not fly them based on specific conditions like receiving radar vectors, encountering "NoPT" segments, being cleared straight-in, or if no turn is depicted.
  • When a procedure turn is required, pilots should reference the chart's profile view for outbound limits and extend sufficiently (e.g., 6 miles or 4 minutes at 90 knots ground speed) before turning to allow time for stabilization on the inbound course.
  • "Hold In Lieu of Procedure Turn" (HiLPTs) function similarly to traditional procedure turns, follow the same mandatory/prohibited rules, are identified by solid bold lines on charts, and require pilots to adhere to charted leg lengths and seek ATC permission for additional laps.
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We all learned how to fly procedure turns when we got our instrument rating. We probably even had to fly a procedure turn or two on the practical test to qualify for the certificate. But since then it has been vectors to final nearly every time and our ability to fly a procedure turn correctly might have suffered in the interim. So let’s reawaken some old memories—or worse, create some new ones—by taking a detailed look at what it takes to fly a procedure turn the right way.

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