A pilot is planning an IFR flight and notices that the destination airport's ILS approach chart has a note: 'Procedure NA when glideslope out of service.' The pilot checks NOTAMs and confirms the glideslope for the ILS is indeed out of service. What are the implications for the pilot's approach planning?
- AThe pilot may fly the ILS, but must use circling minimums if straight-in minimums are based on the glideslope.
- BThe pilot may still fly the localizer portion of the approach and use published Localizer (LOC) minimums.
- CThe pilot must plan to use an entirely different approach procedure to the airport.
- DThe pilot can request a special Instrument Landing System (SLS) approach from ATC.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. The pilot must plan to use an entirely different approach procedure to the airport.
When an approach chart specifically states 'Procedure NA when glideslope out of service,' it means the entire published ILS approach (including the localizer portion) is not authorized when the glideslope is inoperative. The pilot cannot simply revert to LOC minimums if this 'NA' note is present; they must select a completely different approach procedure, such as a VOR, RNAV, or another nonprecision approach, if available.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Circling minimums are not a substitute for a completely 'NA' procedure; the approach itself is invalid.
- B. The 'NA' note overrides the general rule of reverting to LOC minimums. It means the entire procedure is unavailable.
- D. SLS is not a standard approach and is not applicable here.
ILS Glideslope Inoperative with 'NA' Note
If an ILS approach chart includes a note stating 'Procedure NA when glideslope out of service,' the entire instrument approach procedure (including the localizer portion) is not authorized when the glideslope is inoperative, and an alternative approach must be used.
- Overrides the general rule of reverting to LOC minimums.
- The 'NA' note applies to the entire depicted procedure.
- Pilot must select a different, non-ILS approach.
- Check NOTAMs for glideslope status.
Memory trick: GS 'NA': 'No Approach' at all.