Should I File an Initial Approach Fix?

After checking the weather, select an approach and file to an initial approach fix for it.

Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at 10:03 AM ET

Verified

Check the weather and see what approaches are being supported by the conditions, then select an approach and file to an initial approach fix (IAF) for that approach. [Credit: Adobe Stock]

Key Takeaways:

Pilots should file their IFR flight plan to a specific Initial Approach Fix (IAF) after reviewing weather and available approaches.
Filing to an IAF is crucial for lost communication procedures (AVE F), as it informs ATC of your intended approach and allows them to protect the associated airspace.
Always be prepared with approach charts, as ATC may assign an approach different from what you originally filed.

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Question: I am working on my instrument rating, and I have a question about filing to another airport. One of the CFIIs I fly with told me to file to the airport but not a particular fix because it’s really up to ATC to decide what the pilot should do. Another CFII told me to check the weather, see what the flow is, and file to an initial approach fix for an approach in use. Who is correct?

Answer: I advocate checking the weather and seeing what approaches are being supported by the conditions, then select an approach and file to an Initial Approach Fix (IAF) for that approach.