Instrument Approaches

Question 1

What are the 3 categories of approach?

Answer 1

1. Precision - Precision approaches include ILS (Instrument Landing System) approaches, which provide both lateral and vertical guidance, and LPV (Localizer Performance with Vertical Guidance) approaches, which use GPS technology to provide similar guidance.
2. Non-precision - approaches include VOR approaches, NDB (Non-Directional Beacon) approaches, and RNAV (Area Navigation) approaches, which provide only lateral guidance.
3. Circling?

Question 2

What is non-precision

Answer 2

Flying the airplane along a route and descending to an Minimum Descent Altitude (MDA) and looking for the runway from there.

Question 3

What is a precision approach

Answer 3

Flying the airplane along route and glide path to a Decision Altitude (DA). If the runway is not in sight at the DA then you execute a missed approach. DA is MSL, sometimes it’s Decision Height (DH) which is AGL.

Question 4

What is the optimum approach angle?

Answer 4

3 Degrees

Question 5

What is the formula to find the required descent rate?

Answer 5

(Ground speed/2) * 10 = FPM

Question 6

How far from the runway is the glideslope path intercepted?

Answer 6

About 7 miles

Question 7

What is RVR?

Answer 7

RVR stands for Runway Visual Range, and it is a measure of visibility used in aviation. It refers to the distance a pilot can see down the runway from the cockpit during landing or takeoff in low visibility conditions, such as fog, rain, or snow.

RVR is measured using equipment that calculates the distance at which specific runway markings or lights can be seen. The visibility is reported in feet or meters, and different RVR values are associated with different levels of visibility. For example, an RVR of 2,000 feet means that a pilot can see down the runway for 2,000 feet, while an RVR of 600 feet means that the pilot can only see down the runway for 600 feet.

Question 8

What is a procedure turn?

Answer 8

Procedure turns are used to reverse direction and establish the aircraft inbound on an intermediate or final approach course.

Question 9

When is a procedure turn not required?

Answer 9

When NoPT is on the chart
Receiving radar vectors on final
When conducting a timed approach
When procedure turn is not authorized

Question 10

How should turns be done in a holding pattern?

Answer 10

Standard turn, but not more than 30 degrees

Question 11

What are the 3 different types of entry into a holding pattern?

Answer 11

Parallel, Direct, and Teardrop

Question 12

What are the categories (A,B,C,D,E)?

Answer 12

Category A: Aircraft with an approach speed of less than 91 knots
Category B: Aircraft with an approach speed of 91 knots or more but less than 121 knots
Category C: Aircraft with an approach speed of 121 knots or more but less than 141 knots
Category D: Aircraft with an approach speed of 141 knots or more but less than 166 knots
Category E: Aircraft with an approach speed of 166 knots or more
These categories are used to determine the minimum descent altitude (MDA) and visibility required for each category during instrument approaches. As the approach speed increases, the MDA and visibility required also increase. This means that aircraft in higher categories generally require better visibility and a lower minimum descent altitude to land safely during instrument approaches.

Question 13

What is VDP and how can I find it on chart?

Answer 13

Visual Descent Point, generally defined as a GPS or DME fix. A point that means you can descend at a normal rate to the touchdown point without hitting a tree, wires, etc.

Marked by a V on the approach chart.

Question 14

What are the different types of GPS approaches?

Answer 14

1. LNAV - most basic, provides left/right guidance. Relies on step down fixes for descending
2. LPV: Localizer Performance and Vertical guidance - most precise, provides lateral and vertical guidance to runway, requires WAAS capable GPS. Goes to a DA (decision altitude, not an MDA)
3. LP - Requires WAAS capable GPS, same precise lateral course as LPV, but uses the fixes as step down points on the approach, flown down to the MDA,, typically offers lower minimums.

Question 15

What does it mean on a chart when you see: VGSI and R-NAV glidepath not coincident

Answer 15

That you can break out of the clouds and be above the glide path on the vasi.

Question 16

What are the different approaches?
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Answer 16

Non-Precision Approach: This approach uses navigation aids such as VOR (VHF Omnidirectional Range), NDB (Non-Directional Beacon), or GPS (Global Positioning System) to guide the aircraft to the airport. The pilot must manually fly the descent path to the runway using visual references and altimeter readings.

Precision Approach: This approach uses more advanced navigation aids such as ILS (Instrument Landing System) or MLS (Microwave Landing System) to guide the aircraft to the runway. The pilot can rely on instrument readings to fly the approach and land the aircraft in poor visibility conditions.

GPS Approach: This approach uses GPS technology to guide the aircraft to the runway. The pilot can use GPS waypoints and instrument readings to fly the approach and land the aircraft in poor visibility conditions.

Visual Approach: This approach relies on the pilot’s ability to see the runway and surrounding terrain. It is only allowed in good visibility conditions and requires the pilot to maintain visual contact with the runway until landing.

Circling Approach: This approach is used when the pilot needs to maneuver the aircraft around to land on a different runway than the one they were originally approaching. It requires special training and is only allowed in certain conditions.

RNAV (Area Navigation) Approach: This approach uses GPS technology to provide precise lateral and vertical guidance to the runway. It allows for more flexibility in flight paths and can be used in areas where traditional navigation aids may not be available.

LOC (Localizer) Approach: This approach uses a localizer radio signal to provide lateral guidance to the runway. The pilot must use instrument readings to stay on course and manually descend to the runway.

SDF (Simplified Directional Facility) Approach: This approach uses a non-precision radio signal to provide both lateral and vertical guidance to the runway. It is less accurate than other types of approaches and may only be available in certain areas.

LDA (Localizer Type Directional Aid) Approach: This approach uses a localizer-type radio signal to provide lateral guidance to the runway, similar to the LOC approach. However, it has a wider beam angle and may be used to approach runways at different angles than the standard ILS approach.

GLS (Global Navigation Satellite System Landing System) Approach: This approach uses satellite-based technology to provide both lateral and vertical guidance to the runway. It is still relatively new and may not be available at all airports.