Instrument Flight
Flight Procedures
Consider the following factors as you select an instrument approach:
1. Altitude structure flown (high or low)
2. Navigational equipment aboard aircraft
3. Types of approaches available at your destination
4. Published approach, pilot, and aircraft minimums
5. Weather
In preparing to execute an instrument approach, you should thoroughly familiarize yourself with the
following information:
1. Minimum and emergency safe altitudes
2. Initial approach altitude
3. Penetration and final inbound course
4. Altitude restrictions
5. Approach weather minimums
6. Approach minimums (minimum descent altitude (MDA) and/or decision height (DH)
7. Field elevation plus any special notes on terrain or obstacles
8. Missed approach procedures
9. Communications procedures
In addition to approach procedures, instrument approach charts also provide a diagram of the airport
(Figure 33) showing runway lengths, taxi ways, obstructions, arresting gear and barrier locations,
approach lighting configuration, buildings and structures ground tract from FAF to runway.
Before commencing an instrument approach you must know the approach procedure in use and complete
the “WARP” checklist; confirm the Weather, Altimeter setting, Runway in use, and perform Penetration
checks.
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