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Joining the Approach

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Controllers now have expanded options, especially for RNAV-equipped aircraft, to clear pilots direct to various fixes (Intermediate Fixes, step-down fixes) on both RNAV and conventional approaches, and to manage procedures incorporating RF (Radius to Fix) legs.
  • New guidance clarifies procedure turn requirements, explicitly stating that controllers must issue "straight-in" clearances when a procedure turn is not desired, and outlining four specific exceptions to a mandatory procedure turn.
  • The FAA is updating approach procedures and phraseology, including renaming many "ILS" approaches to "LOC" where only localizer minima are provided, necessitating pilot awareness of these changes and potential controller phraseology adjustments.
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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.

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