FAA Instrument Rating Airplane (IRA)IFR Procedures and ChartsMedium
ATC vectors a pilot toward the final approach course and transmits: 'Turn left heading 080, maintain 4,000 until established on the localizer, cleared ILS runway 26 approach.' The pilot has not yet intercepted a segment of the published approach. What altitude must the pilot maintain until established on the localizer?
- AThe last assigned altitude of 4,000 feet
- BThe glideslope intercept altitude shown on the approach chart
- CThe minimum altitude published for the intermediate segment
- DWhatever altitude the pilot judges appropriate based on terrain in sight
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. The last assigned altitude of 4,000 feet
When receiving radar vectors to the final approach course, a pilot must maintain the last altitude assigned by ATC until established on a published segment of the approach; only after being established may the pilot descend per the approach's published altitudes.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Glideslope intercept altitude is used only after being established on the localizer, not during vectoring.
- C. Published segment altitudes do not apply until the aircraft is actually established on that segment.
- D. Pilots may not substitute personal judgment for the assigned altitude during vectors.
Vectors to Final Approach Course
During radar vectors to intercept an approach, the pilot must maintain the last ATC-assigned altitude until established on a published segment of the approach.
- Applies even after being 'cleared for the approach'
- Established means intercepting and tracking a charted course
- Published segment altitudes apply only once established
Memory trick: Hold what ATC gave until the needle's alive