Low Altitude Instrument Approach

CHAPTER SIX

T-34C INSTRUMENTS

623.

LOW ALTITUDE INSTRUMENT APPROACH

Reference: AIM Chapter 5, NIFM Part VI, "Instrument Approaches," and T34C NATOPS Part

VI, Chapter 17, "Instrument Flight Procedures."

Amplification An instrument approach enables an aircraft to transition from instrument

flight conditions to a visual landing while providing terrain clearance and separation from other

aircraft. There are a number of Low Altitude Instrument Approach Procedures that may be

executed with the navigation equipment in the T34C to transition from the enroute environment

to final approach for landing. These include Procedure Turn, Teardrop, Holding Pattern in lieu of

Procedure Turn, StraightIn, and Arc and Radial combination approaches (sometimes referred to

as Procedure Tracks) that use VOR, DME, TACAN, or a combination thereof to complete the

approach. Radar vectors to final approach course is an additional procedure that may be applied

to any of the above approaches. These approaches use different methods to provide the same

result to position the aircraft safely on final approach.

Procedure (Common to all approaches)

Familiarize yourself with the destination Instrument Approach Procedures prior to

departure. (See Appendix B for recommended approach plate review technique.)

Ensure they are compatible with aircraft navigational aids. Check forecast weather

conditions against weather minimums listed on the approach plate and choose a

suitable alternate.

Enroute, review the Approach Procedures again. Update weather and obtain clearance

for the desired approach. The T34C is considered a singlepiloted aircraft.

Therefore, you may not commence an instrument approach if either ceiling or

visibility is reported to be below minimums. In this case, you must request clearance

to your alternate, or clearance for an approach with acceptable weather minimums.

Once cleared for the approach, fly the groundtrack as depicted and comply with all

altitude restrictions.

NOTE

When cleared for an approach prior to the IAF, do not descend

below last assigned altitude unless:

A new altitude is assigned by ATC.

ii.

The aircraft is established on a published route.

For example: If operating on an airway, i.e., V198 inbound to CEW at 5000

(see Figure 647), and cleared for the CEW VORA approach, a descent to the

MEA (3000) or IAF altitude (2200) whichever is higher, could be initiated prior

to the IAF.

6-76 RADIO INSTRUMENT FLIGHT PROCEDURES