FAA Instrument Rating Airplane (IRA)IFR Procedures and ChartsMedium
An RNAV (GPS) approach chart depicts a Terminal Arrival Area (TAA) with three sections: straight-in, left base, and right base. A pilot is approaching from a direction that places the aircraft within the right base sector, which shows a minimum altitude of 4,000 feet. What is the primary function of this TAA sector altitude?
- AIt provides a mandatory holding altitude before beginning the approach
- BIt represents the maximum altitude allowed within that sector of airspace
- CIt ensures obstacle clearance and provides a transition altitude for aircraft arriving from that sector without requiring radar vectors
- DIt defines the missed approach holding altitude for the procedure
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. It ensures obstacle clearance and provides a transition altitude for aircraft arriving from that sector without requiring radar vectors
TAA sectors provide obstacle-clearance altitudes that allow pilots to transition from the en route environment directly onto the approach without needing radar vectors, functioning similarly to feeder routes but based on aircraft position relative to the IAF.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. TAA altitudes are not holding altitudes
- B. TAA altitudes are minimums, not maximums
- D. Missed approach altitudes are separately charted in the missed approach instructions
Terminal Arrival Area (TAA)
A defined area on an RNAV approach chart divided into sectors (straight-in, left base, right base) that provides minimum altitudes for transitioning from the en route structure to the IAF without radar vectors.
- TAA sectors are centered on the IAF
- Each sector has its own minimum altitude for obstacle clearance
- Eliminates need for a separate feeder route in many cases
Memory trick: TAA = Three Areas Assisting your transition in.