Teaching and Learning Flying - Airplane Instrument Rating
Straight-in Approach
DEFINITION
If the final approach course (FAC) of an instrument approach is aligned within 30° of the runway centerline, then the IAP name will include that runway, straight-in minimums will be published and the descent and landing from the MAP or DA/DH may be considered a straight-in approach and landing. If a turn of more than 30° must be made to land on a runway, the approach should be considered a circling approach and circling minimums should be used.SAFETY FACTORS
Safe straight-in approach, descent and landing requires smooth, positive aircraft control and an efficient scan that includes outside as well as instrument references during the transition from primarily instrument to primarily visual references.Good judgment is required when considering environmental, operational and meteorological factors in deciding if a safe straight-in landing can be made or if a circling approach or missed approach should be flown.
TOLERANCES
Instrument Rating PTS (FAA-S-8081-4D)VI. E. Landing from a straight-in or circling approach
To determine that the applicant:
- Exhibits adequate knowledge of the elements related to the pilot's responsibilities, and the environmental, operational, and meteorological factors, which affect a landing from a straight-in approach.
- Transitions at the DA/DH, MDA, or VDP to a visual flight condition, allowing for safe visual maneuvering and a normal landing.
- Adheres to all ATC (or examiner) advisories, such as NOTAMs, wind shear, wake turbulence, runway surface, braking conditions, and other operational considerations.
- Completes appropriate checklist items for the pre-landing and landing phase.
- Maintains positive aircraft control throughout the complete landing maneuver.
OBJECTIVES
Encourage mastery of the straight-in approach, descent and landing.Develop pilot knowledge and skill in flying straight-in approaches and landings to meet the Instrument Pilot PTS.
PROCEDURES
PreflightDiscussion
- Effect of specific environmental, operational and meteorological factors
- Transition to, and maintenance of, a visual flight condition
- Adherence to ATC advisories, such as NOTAMs, wind shear, wake turbulence, runway surface and braking conditions
- Completion of appropriate checklist items
- Maintenance of positive aircraft control
- Demonstrate straight-in approach and landing
- Coach student practice
- Critique student performance
COMMON ERRORS
- Inappropriate division of attention during the transition from instrument to visual conditions
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1) Carefully divide attention between instrument and visual references on transition to visual for landing
2) Expect need to go right back to instruments for missed approach if runway visual reference lost
3) Stay on glide slope and localizer to over runway - Failure to complete required checklist items
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1) Complete before landing checklist at FAF
2) Re-check on final approach course
3) Complete after landing checklist clear of runway - Failure to properly plan and complete the turn to final approach
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Especially circling approach
- Remain within protected area and
- Allow enough distance for normal descent and landing
- Improper technic for wind shear, wake turbulence and crosswind
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1) Wind shear
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a) Avoid
b) More power, airspeed
3) Normal crosswind technic - Failure to maintain positive aircraft control throughout the complete landing maneuver
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First fly your airplane