Register

Joining the Approach

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • New guidance expands controller options for RNAV-equipped aircraft, allowing clearances direct to an Intermediate Fix (IF) or a step-down fix between the IF and Final Approach Fix (FAF) on both RNAV and conventional approaches.
  • Procedure turn (PT) requirements are now explicitly clarified; ATC must issue a "straight-in" clearance to waive a PT, and specific exceptions to mandatory PTs are outlined.
  • ATC has new guidance for clearances on procedures incorporating RF (Radius to Fix) legs, alongside updated phraseology for localizer-only portions of ILS approaches ("glideslope unusable") and charts being renamed to "LOC".
See a mistake? Contact us.

Controller guidance for getting an aircraft onto an approach was a hot topic at a recent Air Traffic Procedures Advisory Committee meeting of various organizations of pilots and airlines.

Previously, there were two basic ways to join an approach, 1) Fly the full procedure starting from a charted route, feeder route, or Initial Approach Fix (IAF); or, 2) Get vectored to the final approach course.

Ready to Sell Your Aircraft?

List your airplane on AircraftForSale.com and reach qualified buyers.

List Your Aircraft
AircraftForSale Logo | FLYING Logo
Pilot in aircraft
Sign-up for newsletters & special offers!

Get the latest stories & special offers delivered directly to your inbox.

SUBSCRIBE