FAA Instrument Rating Airplane (IRA)IFR Procedures and ChartsMedium
A pilot is flying an approach and receives the clearance, 'Cleared ILS runway three six approach.' What actions is the pilot authorized to perform without further clearance from ATC?
- AExecute the entire approach procedure, including holding in lieu of a procedure turn if published.
- BExecute the approach, but is not authorized to make a course reversal without explicit permission.
- CExecute the approach, but must request a specific clearance to descend below the initial approach altitude.
- DExecute the approach procedure, but must receive separate clearance for a procedure turn or holding.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Execute the entire approach procedure, including holding in lieu of a procedure turn if published.
A clearance to 'conduct' or 'cleared for the approach' authorizes the pilot to execute the entire instrument approach procedure, which includes any published procedure turn or holding in lieu of a procedure turn, without further clearance.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Incorrect, a course reversal (procedure turn/holding) is part of the approach procedure unless 'NoPT' is indicated or vectors are given.
- C. Incorrect, the approach clearance authorizes descent in accordance with the published altitudes.
- D. Incorrect, the approach clearance includes the course reversal if published.
Approach Clearance Authority
A standard instrument approach clearance authorizes the pilot to execute the entire published procedure, including any depicted course reversals (procedure turns or holding in lieu of).
- Includes all segments of the approach.
- Covers procedure turns or holding in lieu of PT.
- Does not require separate clearance for each segment.
- ATC may specify 'NoPT' or provide vectors instead.
Memory trick: Clearance to Approach, means clearance for the WHOLE path.