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:

The article investigates why an RNAV (GPS) approach to Easton, MD, specifically Runway 33, unexpectedly states "RADAR REQUIRED."
The need for radar stems from the absence of an Initial Approach Fix (IAF), meaning pilots must be vectored onto the Intermediate Fix (IF) as there's no published route for self-entry from the en route environment, a requirement outlined in FAA TERPS guidance.
This "headless approach" design is not unique to Runway 33 at Easton, affecting other runways as well, and is hypothesized to be a request from local ATC due to concerns about proximity to restricted airspace or the Washington D.C. ADIZ.

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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?