9/5/24 

AIM 

pilot should maintain last assigned altitude until established on glide slope.  These approaches procedurally require 
utilization of the ILS glide slope for wake turbulence mitigation. Pilots should not confuse these simultaneous dependent 
operations with (SOIA) simultaneous close parallel PRM approaches, where PRM appears in the approach title. 

5. 

Altitude restrictions depicted at stepdown fixes within the final approach segment are applicable only 

when flying a Non

−

Precision Approach to a straight

−

in or circling line of minima identified as an MDA (H). 

These altitude restrictions may be annotated with a note “LOC only” or “LNAV only.” Stepdown fix altitude 

restrictions within the final approach segment do not apply to pilots using Precision Approach (ILS) or Approach 

with Vertical Guidance (LPV, LNAV/VNAV) lines of minima identified as a DA(H), since obstacle clearance 

on these approaches is based on the aircraft following the applicable vertical guidance. Pilots are responsible for 

adherence to stepdown fix altitude restrictions when outside the final approach segment (i.e., initial or 

intermediate segment), regardless of which type of procedure the pilot is flying. (See FIG 5

−

4

−

1.) 

c. 

The 

Minimum Safe Altitudes (MSA)

 is published for emergency use on IAP or departure procedure (DP) 

graphic charts. MSAs provide 1,000 feet of clearance over all obstacles, but do not necessarily assure acceptable 

navigation signal coverage. The MSA depiction on the plan view of an approach chart or on a DP graphic chart 

contains the identifier of the center point of the MSA, the applicable radius of the MSA, a depiction of the 

sector(s), and the minimum altitudes above mean sea level which provide obstacle clearance. For conventional 

navigation systems, the MSA is normally based on the primary omnidirectional facility on which the IAP or DP 

graphic chart is predicated, but may be based on the airport reference point (ARP) if no suitable facility is 

available. For RNAV approaches or DP graphic charts, the MSA is based on an RNAV waypoint. MSAs normally 

have a 25 NM radius; however, for conventional navigation systems, this radius may be expanded to 30 NM if 

necessary to encompass the airport landing surfaces. A single sector altitude is normally established, however 

when the MSA is based on a facility and it is necessary to obtain relief from obstacles, an MSA with up to four 

sectors may be established. 

Arrival Procedures 

5

−

4

−

9