A pilot is conducting an instrument approach to an airport where the published approach procedure has a final approach course that is not aligned within 30 degrees of the runway centerline. Which of the following statements is true regarding straight-in landing minimums for this approach?
- AOnly circling minimums will be published for this approach.
- BStraight-in landing minimums are still applicable if the runway is visible at the MDA/DA.
- CStraight-in landing minimums are not authorized, and only circling minimums will be published.
- DStraight-in landing minimums are authorized but require a special authorization from ATC.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Straight-in landing minimums are not authorized, and only circling minimums will be published.
According to TERPS criteria, if the final approach course is not aligned within 30 degrees of the runway centerline, straight-in landing minimums cannot be published. In such cases, only circling minimums will be provided for the approach. This ensures that pilots have sufficient space and time to maneuver for a safe landing after breaking out of IMC.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This is partially correct but doesn't fully explain *why* only circling minimums are published.
- B. Visibility of the runway does not override the TERPS alignment criteria for publishing straight-in minimums.
- D. ATC authorization cannot supersede the published approach minimums based on TERPS criteria for straight-in landings.
Straight-In Landing Criteria (Course Alignment)
For an instrument approach to have published straight-in landing minimums, the final approach course must be aligned within 30 degrees of the runway centerline. If this criterion is not met, only circling minimums will be published for that approach.
- Final approach course must be within 30 degrees of runway centerline.
- Exceeding 30 degrees prohibits straight-in minimums.
- Only circling minimums are published if the 30-degree rule is violated.
Memory trick: Thirty Degrees Decides Your Final Turn.