9/5/24 

AIM 

associated with the sector that the aircraft will enter the TAA and join the approach course from that point and 

if required by that sector (i.e., sector is not labeled “NoPT), complete the HILPT course reversal. 

NOTE

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If approaching with a TO bearing that is on a sector boundary, the pilot is expected to proceed in accordance with a “NoPT” 

routing unless otherwise instructed by ATC. 

5. 

Altitudes published within the TAA  replace the MSA altitude. However, unlike MSA altitudes the TAA 

altitudes are operationally usable altitudes. These altitudes provide at least 1,000 feet of obstacle clearance, more 

in mountainous areas. It is important that the pilot knows which area of the TAA the aircraft will enter in order 

to comply with the minimum altitude requirements. The pilot can determine which area of the TAA the aircraft 

will enter by determining the magnetic bearing of the aircraft TO the fix labeled IF/IAF. The bearing should then 

be compared to the published lateral boundary bearings that define the TAA areas. Do not use magnetic bearing 

to the right-base or left-base IAFs to determine position. 

(a) 

An ATC clearance direct to an IAF or to the IF/IAF without an approach clearance does not authorize 

a pilot to descend to a lower TAA altitude. If a pilot desires a lower altitude without an approach clearance, request 

the lower TAA altitude from ATC. Pilots not sure of the clearance should confirm their clearance with ATC or 

request a specific clearance. Pilots entering the TAA with two

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way radio communications failure (14 CFR 

Section 91.185, IFR Operations: Two

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way Radio Communications Failure), must maintain the highest altitude 

prescribed by Section 91.185(c)(2) until arriving at the appropriate IAF. 

(b) 

Once cleared for the approach, pilots may descend in the TAA sector to the minimum altitude depicted 

within the defined area/subdivision, unless instructed otherwise by air traffic control. Pilots should plan their 

descent within the TAA to permit a normal descent from the IF/IAF to the FAF. In FIG 5

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4

−

5, pilots within the 

left or right

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base areas are expected to maintain a minimum altitude of 6,000 feet until within 17 NM of the 

associated IAF. After crossing the 17 NM arc, descent is authorized to the lower charted altitudes. Pilots 

approaching from the northwest are expected to maintain a minimum altitude of 6,000 feet, and when within 22 

NM of the IF/IAF, descend to a minimum altitude of 2,000 feet MSL until crossing the IF/IAF. 

FIG 5

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4

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5 

Sectored TAA Areas 

6. 

U.S. Government charts depict TAAs using icons located in the plan view outside the depiction of the 

actual approach procedure. (See FIG 5

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4

−

6). Use of icons is necessary to avoid obscuring any portion of the “T” 

Arrival Procedures 

5

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4

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