A pilot is being vectored for timed approaches from a holding fix at a towered airport with an operating control tower. According to the AIM, which condition must be met for ATC to authorize timed approaches from a holding fix?
- AThe airport must have simultaneous parallel runways available
- BThe aircraft must be equipped with airborne weather radar
- CAt least three aircraft must already be established in the holding pattern
- DReported ceiling and visibility must be at or above the highest prescribed circling minimums for the approach
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Reported ceiling and visibility must be at or above the highest prescribed circling minimums for the approach
The AIM specifies that timed approaches from a holding fix may be conducted when a control tower is in operation, direct communications are maintained, and the reported ceiling and visibility are equal to or greater than the highest prescribed circling minimums for the instrument approach procedure being used. The other conditions are not part of the AIM criteria for timed approaches.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Parallel runway operations are unrelated to timed approach criteria.
- B. Weather radar equipment is not a listed requirement.
- C. There is no minimum number of aircraft required to be holding.
Timed Approaches from a Holding Fix
A method used by ATC to sequence multiple aircraft for approaches when a control tower is operating, direct communication exists, and weather is at or above circling minimums.
- Requires an operating control tower
- Requires direct pilot-to-controller communication
- Requires ceiling/visibility at or above highest circling minimums
- Pilots are assigned a time to leave the holding fix inbound
Memory trick: 'Tower talks, weather's above the circle' unlocks timed approaches.