Radar Vectors to Final Approach Course

T-34C INSTRUMENTS

CHAPTER SIX

629.

RADAR VECTORS TO FINAL APPROACH COURSE

Amplification Radar vectors to final approach course is a procedure used by approach

control to increase the arrival rate of aircraft and to establish aircraft on the final approach course

through the most expeditious routes consistent with traffic situations. Previous procedures have

emphasized the "Procedure Turn" or arcing method of establishing your aircraft on the inbound

course to the FAF. However, approach control agencies with radar capability will often vector

you from your present position on the airway directly to the final approach course, thereby

eliminating the "Procedure Turn" or arcing portion of the approach.

Although this routing does expedite arrival at your destination, it has one characteristic of which

you should be aware the lack of published minimum altitudes until joining a segment of a

published approach. Approach control has the statutory responsibility for ensuring terrain

clearance while vectoring you for the approach. This is done using Minimum Vectoring Altitude

(MVA) charts superimposed on its radar displays. However, the pilot who wishes to double

check the controller must depend largely upon the minimum safe altitudes published on the

approach plate and a constant awareness of his own position.

Good pilot technique and good sense dictate you never fully relinquish the responsibility for

terrain clearance to an outside agency. Maintain positional awareness and crosscheck terrain

clearance altitude by using all available NAVAIDS. Never blindly follow vectors from a

controller be aware of what lies ahead on your assigned heading. If in doubt as to the

appropriateness of a given instruction, query the controller.

Procedure See Figures 671 and 672.

Tune and identify the appropriate NAVAID.

Check the VOR/TACAN switch in the appropriate position.

Twist the final approach course into the IND350.

Follow radar vectors given by approach control.

If a lower altitude is assigned, perform a terminal descent.

Transition to BAC:

When within 5 NM of the FAF and aircraft heading is within 90 of the FAC, or

ii.

Once established on final if no FAF is depicted.

When cleared for the approach, maintain the last assigned altitude and heading given

by ATC until established on the approach. As the CDI begins to center, you are

expected to turn onto the final approach course and track inbound.

RADIO INSTRUMENT FLIGHT PROCEDURES 6-113