Figure 3-12 Course Alignment

RADIO INSTRUMENTS

CHAPTER THREE

Figure 3-12 Course Alignment

1. Turn in the shortest direction to intercept the initial approach course. When established

on course, begin the descent. This method works well when on a heading within 60 of the

initial approach course since the overshoot is minor and can be quickly corrected. When a turn

of greater than 60 is required, this method is not recommended due to excessive displacement

from the approach course. Despite such displacements, this procedure is expected by ATC

unless some other alignment procedure is requested and approved (Example 1 in Figure 3-12).

2. Request an offset entry from the controlling agency. Instead of flying directly to the IAF,

fly to a point from where the radius of turn will cause the aircraft to turn on course at the

completion of the turn. The pilot must take into account the number of degrees of turn required

and the distance from the station when determining the approximate offset point. A request for

this procedure might sound like "Gulfport Approach, Rocket 205, request proceed to OSLOW

via the Gulfport 310 at 30." (Example 2 in Figure 3-12)

3. Execute an alignment turn within the published holding pattern. It is not necessary to fly

to the outer limit of the holding pattern when using this method; fly far enough to ensure the

alignment can be completed prior to the IAF. A request for this procedure might sound like:

"Gulfport Approach, Rocket 205, request a holding entry turn for alignment prior to

commencement of the approach"(Example 3 in Figure 3-12).

TACAN Initial Approach Segment

The intermediate segment of an IAP extends from the intermediate approach fix (rarely

published and never identified as such) to the FAF. An intermediate approach segment has two

purposes: to ensure alignment with the Final Approach Segment (thus there are few turns at a

FAF) and assist in aircraft configuration changes (thus the rate of descent in an intermediate

segment is either zero or very shallow.

RADIO INSTRUMENTS

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