A pilot is planning an instrument approach at an airport where the published approach procedure has a final approach fix (FAF) and a missed approach point (MAP) that are co-located. The approach is a nonprecision approach. What is the implication of this co-location?
- AThe pilot must maintain the FAF crossing altitude until the runway environment is in sight, then descend rapidly.
- BThe pilot must begin the missed approach immediately upon reaching the FAF/MAP unless the runway is clearly in sight.
- CThe approach is a circling approach only, as no straight-in landing is possible.
- DThe pilot is authorized to descend below the MDA prior to the FAF/MAP if the runway environment is visible.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. The pilot must begin the missed approach immediately upon reaching the FAF/MAP unless the runway is clearly in sight.
When the FAF and MAP are co-located on a nonprecision approach, it means the final approach segment is essentially from the FAF to the FAF/MAP. The pilot must reach MDA at or before this point. If the runway environment is not in sight at the FAF/MAP, the missed approach must be initiated immediately. This scenario typically occurs with VOR or NDB approaches where the navigation facility is located at or near the airport, serving as both the FAF and MAP.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Maintaining FAF crossing altitude is only until the descent to MDA begins. A rapid descent is unsafe and not authorized.
- C. Co-location does not automatically make it a circling approach. Straight-in minimums can still be published if other criteria are met, but the timing of the missed approach is critical.
- D. Descending below MDA prior to the FAF/MAP is never authorized on a nonprecision approach, regardless of visibility.
Co-located FAF/MAP
When the Final Approach Fix (FAF) and Missed Approach Point (MAP) are co-located on a nonprecision instrument approach, the pilot must be prepared to execute the missed approach immediately upon reaching this point if the required visual references for a landing cannot be established.
- FAF and MAP are at the same geographic point.
- Common in VOR/NDB approaches where facility is near airport.
- Missed approach must be initiated at this point if visual not established.
- No further horizontal flight at MDA beyond this point is authorized without visual.
Memory trick: FAF and MAP Together? Act Fast, or Go Higher.