background image

4/20/23 

AIM 

3. 

The standard TAA based on the “T” design consists of three areas defined by the Initial Approach Fix 

(IAF) legs and the intermediate segment course beginning at the IF/IAF. These areas are called the straight

in, 

left

base, and right

base areas. (See FIG 5

4

4). TAA area lateral boundaries are identified by magnetic courses 

TO the IF/IAF. The straight

in area can be further divided into pie

shaped sectors with the boundaries identified 

by magnetic courses TO the (IF/ IAF), and may contain stepdown sections defined by arcs based on RNAV 

distances from the IF/IAF. (See FIG 5

4

5). The right/left

base areas can only be subdivided using arcs based 

on RNAV distances from the IAFs for those areas. 

FIG 5

4

TAA Area 

4. 

Entry from the terminal area onto the procedure is normally accomplished via a no procedure turn (NoPT) 

routing or via a course reversal maneuver. The published procedure will be annotated “NoPT” to indicate when 

the course reversal is not authorized when flying within a particular TAA sector. Otherwise, the pilot is expected 

to execute the course reversal under the provisions of 14 CFR Section 91.175. The pilot may elect to use the 

course reversal pattern when it is not required by the procedure, but must receive clearance from air traffic control 

before beginning the procedure. 

(a) 

ATC should not  clear an aircraft to the left base leg or right base leg IAF within a TAA at an intercept 

angle exceeding 90 degrees. Pilots must not execute the HILPT course reversal when the sector or procedure 

segment is labeled “NoPT.” 

(b) 

ATC may clear aircraft direct to the fix labeled IF/IAF if the course to the IF/IAF is within the 

straight-in sector labeled “NoPT” and the intercept angle does not exceed 90 degrees. Pilots are expected to 

proceed direct to the IF/IAF and accomplish a straight-in approach. Do not execute HILPT course reversal. Pilots 

are also expected to fly the straight

in approach when ATC provides radar vectors and monitoring to the IF/IAF 

and issues a “straight-in” approach clearance; otherwise, the pilot 

is expected

 to execute the HILPT course 

reversal. 

REFERENCE

 

AIM, Para 5

4

6, Approach Clearance. 

(c) 

On rare occasions, ATC may clear the aircraft for an approach at the airport without specifying the 

approach procedure by name or by a specific approach (for example, “cleared RNAV Runway 34 approach”) 

Arrival Procedures 

5

4

11