Figure 406-2. Low-Altitude Approach Examples.

JOINT ADVANCED MULTI-ENGINE T-44A

Procedure Turn - Holding Technique

Procedure Turn

Teardrop Entry

Parallel Entry

45/180 Maneuver

Figure 406-2. Low-Altitude Approach Examples.

B. Types of Course Reversals. There are two common types of course reversals: the procedure turn

(PT) and the holding-in-lieu-of procedure turn (HILO PT). Before discussing each type of course reversal

in detail, here are some guidelines that apply to all course reversals:

Restrictions. Do not execute a procedure turn or HILO PT in the following situations. (Many people use

the memory aid SNERT)

When ATC gives you clearance for a "Straight-in" approach

If you are flying the approach via No PT routing

When you are Established in holding, subsequently cleared the approach, and the holding course and

procedure turn course are the same

When ATC provides Radar vectors to the final approach course

When ATC clears you for a Timed approach. Timed approaches are in progress when you are

established in a holding pattern and given a time to depart the FAF inbound

In any of the situations described above, proceed over the FAF at the published FAF altitude and continue

inbound on the final approach course without making a procedure turn, holding pattern, or any other

aligning maneuver before the FAF unless otherwise cleared by ATC. If you need to make additional

circuits in a published holding pattern to lose altitude or to become better established on course, or wish to

execute a procedure turn for training before departing the FAF inbound, it is your responsibility to request

such maneuvering from ATC.

NOTE: Historically, these restrictions create lots of confusion between pilots and controllers. If you are ever in

doubt about what ATC expects you to do, query the controller.

Procedure Turns.

One of the most common types of low altitude course reversals is the procedure turn. Procedure turns are

depicted in the plan view of U.S. government charts with a barb symbol (

) indicating the direction or

side of the outbound course on which the procedure turn or maneuvering is to be accomplished. The

procedure turn fix is identified on the profile view of the approach at the point where the IAP begins. To

give you an idea of what the procedure turn airspace looks like, refer to figure 407-2.

Techniques for Flying Procedure Turns. There are two common techniques for executing a procedure turn

course reversal: the 45/180 degrees maneuver and the holding technique. For standardization purposes, the

45/180 degrees course reversal is the primary method of procedure turn used throughout the advanced

maritime syllabus; however, you must still be familiar with and prepared to fly procedure turns using the

other techniques. Regardless of the method you choose to fly the procedure turn, consider the following

notes when planning your approach:

Plan the outbound leg to allow enough time for configuration and any descent required prior to the

FAF. Ensure you adjust the outbound leg length so you will stay inside the "remain within

distance" noted on the profile view of the approach plate. The "remain within distance" is

measured from the procedure turn fix unless the IAP specifies otherwise.

Consider established inbound to be a course guidance indication of +5 radials for VOR or TAC

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RADIO INSTRUMENTS STAGE