AIM
4/20/23
NOTE
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Refer to 14 CFR 91.175 (i).
7.
RNAV aircraft may be issued a clearance direct to the FAF that is also charted as an IAF, in which case
the pilot is expected to execute the depicted procedure turn or hold-in-lieu of procedure turn. ATC will not issue
a straight-in approach clearance. If the pilot desires a straight-in approach, they must request vectors to the final
approach course outside of the FAF or fly a published “NoPT” route. When visual approaches are in use, ATC
may clear an aircraft direct to the FAF.
NOTE
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1.
In anticipation of a clearance by ATC to any fix published on an instrument approach procedure, pilots of RNAV aircraft
are advised to select an appropriate IAF or feeder fix when loading an instrument approach procedure into the RNAV system.
2.
Selection of “Vectors-to-Final” or “Vectors” option for an instrument approach may prevent approach fixes located
outside of the FAF from being loaded into an RNAV system. Therefore, the selection of these options is discouraged due to
increased workload for pilots to reprogram the navigation system.
8.
Arrival Holding. Some approach charts have an arrival holding pattern depicted at an IAF or at a feeder
fix located along an airway. The arrival hold is depicted using a “thin line” since it is not always a mandatory
part of the instrument procedure.
(a)
Arrival holding is charted where holding is frequently required prior to starting the approach
procedure so that detailed holding instructions are not required. The arrival holding pattern is not authorized
unless assigned by ATC. Holding at the same fix may also be depicted on the en route chart.
(b)
Arrival holding is also charted where it is necessary to use a holding pattern to align the aircraft for
procedure entry from an airway due to turn angle limitations imposed by procedure design standards. When the
turn angle from an airway into the approach procedure exceeds the permissible limits, an arrival holding pattern
may be published along with a note on the procedure specifying the fix, the airway, and arrival direction where
use of the arrival hold is required for procedure entry. Unlike a hold
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in
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lieu of procedure turn, use of the arrival
holding pattern is not authorized until assigned by ATC. If ATC does not assign the arrival hold before reaching
the holding fix, the pilot should request the hold for procedure entry. Once established on the inbound holding
course and an approach clearance has been received, the published procedure can commence. Alternatively, if
using the holding pattern for procedure entry is not desired, the pilot may ask ATC for maneuvering airspace to
align the aircraft with the feeder course.
EXAMPLE
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Planview Chart Note: “Proc NA via V343 northeast bound without holding at JOXIT. ATC CLNC REQD.”
f.
An RF leg is defined as a constant radius circular path around a defined turn center that starts and terminates
at a fix. An RF leg may be published as part of a procedure. Since not all aircraft have the capability to fly these
leg types, pilots are responsible for knowing if they can conduct an RNAV approach with an RF leg.
Requirements for RF legs will be indicated on the approach chart in the notes section or at the applicable initial
approach fix. Controllers will clear RNAV-equipped aircraft for instrument approach procedures containing RF
legs:
1.
Via published transitions, or
2.
In accordance with paragraph e6 above, and
3.
ATC will not clear aircraft direct to any waypoint beginning or within an RF leg, and will not assign
fix/waypoint crossing speeds in excess of charted speed restrictions.
EXAMPLE
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Controllers will not clear aircraft direct to THIRD because that waypoint begins the RF leg, and aircraft cannot be vectored
or cleared to TURNN or vectored to intercept the approach segment at any point between THIRD and FORTH because this
15.)
g.
When necessary to cancel a previously issued approach clearance, the controller will advise the pilot
“Cancel Approach Clearance” followed by any additional instructions when applicable.
Arrival Procedures
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4
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