Simple in principle, procedure turns can turn ugly if the pilot and the controller aren’t on the same page. GPS has made this worse, not better. But that’s easily remedied.
PT in the days of RNAV
It used to be the procedure turn (PT) was the lynchpin of many an instrument approach. Youd track to the VOR or NDB station located on the airport, fly outbound, use a PT to reverse course, and fly back to the station on a specific course while descending to the specified minimum descent altitude. If you didnt visually acquire the airport, locating the missed approach point was a simple matter of identifying station passage.
Key Takeaways:
- Procedure Turns (PTs) and Hold-in-Lieu of Procedure Turns (HILOs) are essential maneuvers for course reversal on instrument approaches, with common types including the barb, teardrop, and holding patterns.
- While GPS can enhance situational awareness and optimize PT execution (e.g., adjusting for wind or requesting shorter hold legs), pilots must meticulously manage these procedures within their GPS units and be prepared to activate/deactivate them.
- Pilots must maintain proficiency in PTs and communicate clearly with Air Traffic Control (ATC) to confirm if a PT or HILO is required, especially when cleared direct to an Initial Approach Fix (IAF) or when "No PT" is not explicitly stated, to avoid confusion and ensure compliance.
Key takeaways sponsored by Aviator Pro | Start Your Training ->
See a mistake? Contact us.
