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:

When filing an IFR flight plan, pilots should check the weather, determine supported approaches, and then file to an Initial Approach Fix (IAF) for a selected approach, rather than just the airport.
Filing to a specific IAF is critical for safety, especially during lost communications (7600 squawk), as it informs ATC of the pilot's intended path, enabling them to protect the corresponding airspace under AVE F procedures.
Although filing to an IAF is recommended, ATC is not obligated to grant the requested approach, so pilots must always be prepared to fly alternative assignments.
A bonus tip suggests filing a slightly shorter estimated time en route (ETE) to avoid waiting for time to elapse before beginning an approach.

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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.