Transition to Visual Segment of the Approach

T-34C INSTRUMENTS

CHAPTER SEVEN

707.

TRANSITION TO VISUAL SEGMENT OF THE APPROACH

The transition to the visual segment on an instrument approach may begin at any point during the

approach, once the field is in sight. If a VDP is depicted on the approach, you should not descend

below the MDA prior to reaching the VDP.

StraightIn Approaches

On PAR, ASR, and Localizer approaches, the aircraft should be very close to being lined up on

centerline when you gain visual reference with the runway environment. The transition in this

case should be relatively simple. All that is normally required is a speed reduction while

continuing the descent from the DH/MDA to intercept a normal visual glidepath. Comply with

the minimum speed for the aircraft configuration until touchdown. On Nonprecision

approaches, you must also decide if flaps should be used.

On other types of Straightin approaches (TAC/VOR), the final approach course may be as much

as 30 off runway heading. For example, the TAC 14 to North Whiting has a FAC of 124, while

actual runway magnetic heading is 137.9. In these cases, it will be necessary to continue on the

final approach course until you can make a turn to line up on centerline. To avoid needing large

heading corrections at low altitude, do not "angle in" toward the runway.

Some Nonprecision approaches have MDAs of 800/1 or higher. At typical approach speeds in

the T34C (120 knots), this could require descent rates in excess of 1600 FPM if you do not break

out prior to the MAP. In these cases, an aggressive power reduction, possibly idle power, may be

required in which case a missed approach may be warranted. Typically, if you gain sight of the

runway at the MAP itself, a safe landing is not possible. Remember, adjust nose attitude

accordingly to maintain a safe speed. Try to dissipate excess altitude and airspeed as soon as

possible so that you can arrest the resultant high sink rate prior to the landing threshold.

Remember just because the runway environment is in sight at the MAP does NOT mean a safe

landing can be made. Both of these conditions must be met before attempting a landing from a

Straightin approach.

Circling Approaches

Circling approaches can present a very challenging situation. If the weather is at or near

minimums, the circling maneuver may severely tax the pilot's ability. While you will attempt to

fly the aircraft to a normal VFR checkpoint (i.e., 180, 90, final), it may not be possible. A

thorough discussion of different types of maneuvers is discussed in Section 710.

Remember, a wingtip on downwind at 400 feet AGL (for example) will be much closer to the

runway than at the normal VFR altitude of 800 feet AGL, and may not be a sufficient distance

from the runway to allow a safe turn to final. There are no absolutes on Circling approaches; you

must use good judgment to position the aircraft for landing.

INSTRUMENT NAVIGATION 7-19