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 to a specific Initial Approach Fix (IAF) for an anticipated instrument approach, rather than just the destination airport, after checking weather and flow.
Filing to an IAF is crucial for lost communication procedures (AVE F) because it clearly establishes the pilot's intentions, allowing ATC to protect the expected airspace.
This method aids ATC in identifying aircraft squawking 7600 and managing complex airspace more effectively, especially at airports with multiple instrument approaches and IAFs.

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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.