We Go Through the Notes on Terminal Procedures Publications

What are the different types of notes found on an instrument approach chart, and where do I find them?

Meg Godlewski

Wednesday, January 26, 2022 at 11:56 AM ET

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Louisville ILS or LOC Runway 17L [Courtesy Jeppesen]

Key Takeaways:

Instrument approach charts contain various notes, including general instructions, "fine print" for conditional adjustments, and specific symbols like a black triangle "T" for non-standard IFR takeoff minimums and an "A" for non-standard IFR alternate minimums.
Information is organized across different sections of the chart, with general details at the top, a plan view for obstacles, a profile section for altitudes, and specific locations (e.g., Jeppesen page 10-9, FAA TPP section L) detailing non-standard minimums.
Pilots commonly use mnemonics like MARRTHA (Missed approach, Approach type, Radio frequencies, Radials, Time, Heading, Altitude) to systematically review all critical information on an approach plate before use.

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What are the different types of notes found on an instrument approach chart, and where do I find them?

Instrument approach charts, be they Jeppesen or FAA terminal procedures publications (TPPs), contain notes that tell the pilot what to do—such as missed approach instructions—and what not to do, such as “circle to land at night not authorized” by using the designation NA.

The information on both forms of approach charts starts at the top with the name of the approach and the airport it services, then radio frequencies, missed approach instructions, and special notes about this approach.