A pilot is planning an instrument flight to an airport located in mountainous terrain. The approach chart for the destination airport indicates a 'Trouble T' symbol (T in a black triangle) in the notes section. What does this symbol primarily indicate?
- AThe airport is located in a Terminal Area, requiring special navigation procedures.
- BA minimum safe altitude (MSA) is not provided for this approach.
- CThe airport has a non-standard traffic pattern for IFR aircraft.
- DNon-standard IFR takeoff minimums and/or departure procedures are published for the airport.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Non-standard IFR takeoff minimums and/or departure procedures are published for the airport.
The 'Trouble T' symbol (a T in a black triangle) on an approach chart indicates that non-standard IFR takeoff minimums and/or departure procedures are published for that airport. Pilots must consult the 'Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle Departure Procedures' section of the Terminal Procedures Publication (TPP) for specific information.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. The 'Trouble T' symbol does not relate to Terminal Area navigation; that's often indicated by TAAs or specific RNAV charts.
- B. MSA is typically depicted on the chart with a circle and radial segments, not by the 'Trouble T' symbol.
- C. Non-standard traffic patterns are usually communicated via ATIS, NOTAMs, or airport diagrams, not the 'Trouble T' symbol.
Trouble T Symbol
The 'Trouble T' symbol (T in a black triangle) on an instrument approach chart alerts pilots to the existence of non-standard IFR takeoff minimums and/or obstacle departure procedures (ODPs) for that airport. Pilots must refer to the appropriate publication for details.
- Indicates non-standard IFR takeoff minimums.
- Indicates published Obstacle Departure Procedures (ODPs).
- Requires consultation of the Takeoff Minimums and ODPs section of the TPP.
Memory trick: T for Takeoff, Trouble's What It Brings.