FAA Instrument Flight Instructor (FII)IFR Procedures and ApproachesHard
ATC is providing radar vectors to the final approach course for an aircraft conducting an ILS approach in IMC. Per standard controller procedures, what is the maximum intercept angle ATC should normally use when vectoring the aircraft onto the final approach course?
- A45 degrees
- B10 degrees
- C30 degrees
- D20 degrees
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. 30 degrees
FAA Order 7110.65 directs controllers to vector aircraft to intercept the final approach course at an angle not exceeding 30 degrees, allowing the pilot sufficient time and geometry to smoothly establish on course before the final approach fix.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. 45 degrees would create an excessively sharp intercept, risking overshoot of the final course.
- B. 10 degrees is overly conservative and not the standard maximum used by controllers.
- D. 20 degrees is not the published maximum standard for final approach course intercepts.
Final Approach Course Intercept Angle
Controllers vectoring aircraft onto the final approach course should use an intercept angle of no more than 30 degrees to allow a smooth, stabilized transition onto the approach.
- Maximum intercept angle is 30 degrees per controller procedures
- Vectors should allow the aircraft to intercept the final course before the FAF
- Excessive angles can cause overshoot or unstable approach setups
Memory trick: 'Thirty and Steady' keeps the intercept smooth.