FAA Instrument Rating Airplane (IRA)IFR Procedures and ChartsMedium
A pilot is flying an approach to an airport with a published RNAV (GPS) approach. The approach chart states 'Procedure NA for arrivals at night' in the notes section. The pilot plans to arrive at 2300 local time. What action must the pilot take?
- AThe pilot can request a special authorization from ATC to fly the approach at night.
- BThe pilot must select an alternate approach procedure or divert to another airport.
- CThe pilot may fly the approach but must use circling minimums, regardless of straight-in capability.
- DThe pilot may still fly the approach as long as the aircraft is equipped with suitable night vision equipment.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. The pilot must select an alternate approach procedure or divert to another airport.
If an approach procedure explicitly states 'NA for arrivals at night' or similar restrictions, the pilot is prohibited from using that procedure during nighttime hours. The pilot must choose an alternate approach or divert.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Special authorization for a 'NA' procedure due to time of day is highly unlikely and not a standard procedure.
- C. The 'NA' restriction means the entire procedure is unavailable, not just a modification to minimums.
- D. Aircraft equipment does not override published procedure restrictions.
Approach NA Restrictions
Notes on an instrument approach chart indicating that a procedure, or part of it, is 'Not Authorized' (NA) under specific conditions (e.g., at night, with certain equipment, or during specific times).
- Published restrictions must be complied with.
- 'NA' means the procedure cannot be used under the stated conditions.
- Pilot must find an alternative approach or airport.
Memory trick: NA: 'Not Approved, No Access' when conditions are bad.