No Initial Fix Needed

Back when I used to teach science classes for elementary school students and their teachers, we used to say that a great question was one that generated an answer plus two more questions. Such it is with the RNAV (GPS) Rwy 33 approach to Easton, Md.

jwanwest

Monday, December 01, 2014 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

An RNAV (GPS) approach to Easton, Md. (Rwy 33) paradoxically requires "RADAR REQUIRED" despite GPS's independent navigation capabilities.
This requirement stems from the approach's lack of an Initial Approach Fix (IAF), necessitating radar vectors from Air Traffic Control (ATC) to guide pilots onto the Intermediate Fix (IF) due to the absence of a published entry route from the en route environment.
These "headless" approaches, also seen for Rwy 15 but not other runways at the same airport, are likely created at local ATC's request, possibly due to concerns about proximity to restricted airspace (R-4006) or the Washington D.C. ADIZ, though the exact reason for foregoing an IAF remains unclear.

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The question was simple: Why would a GPS approach say “RADAR REQUIRED”? It’s GPS, for crying out loud. We can go anywhere without radar vectors, so long as there’s a safe altitude to fly. Who cares if there’s radar?