A pilot is flying an RNAV (GPS) approach with LNAV minimums where a procedure turn is depicted. The pilot receives an ATC clearance: 'Cleared direct to the FAF, maintain 3,000 feet until established, cleared RNAV (GPS) Runway 18 approach.' There is no 'NoPT' symbol on the chart. What is the correct action regarding the procedure turn?
- AThe pilot is not required to execute the procedure turn because ATC cleared 'direct to the FAF'.
- BThe pilot must request clarification from ATC regarding the procedure turn, as the clearance is ambiguous.
- CThe pilot must execute the depicted procedure turn, as it is mandatory unless specifically cancelled by ATC or charted 'NoPT'.
- DThe pilot should execute a hold-in-lieu-of-procedure-turn at the FAF before continuing the approach.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. The pilot is not required to execute the procedure turn because ATC cleared 'direct to the FAF'.
According to the AIM (5-4-9), a procedure turn or hold-in-lieu-of-procedure-turn is not required when a pilot is being vectored to the final approach course, or when a clearance to 'direct to the FAF' is issued and the aircraft is established on the final approach course without having to reverse course. In this case, 'cleared direct to the FAF' implies ATC is vectoring or providing a direct route to the final approach segment, thus eliminating the need for the procedure turn.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. The clearance is not ambiguous in this context. ATC's 'direct to FAF' effectively provides a means to intercept the final approach course, negating the need for a procedure turn.
- C. While procedure turns are generally mandatory, a clearance 'direct to the FAF' with no mention of a procedure turn implicitly cancels it if the aircraft can be established on the final approach course without a course reversal.
- D. A hold-in-lieu-of-procedure-turn is a specific charted maneuver. If the procedure turn is not required, neither is a hold-in-lieu-of-procedure-turn unless specifically cleared by ATC.
Procedure Turn Omission (Direct to FAF)
A procedure turn or hold-in-lieu-of-procedure-turn is not required when ATC clears a pilot 'direct to the FAF' and the aircraft can be established on the final approach course without performing a course reversal. This type of clearance implicitly cancels the need for the charted procedure turn.
- ATC clearance 'direct to FAF' can omit procedure turn.
- Aircraft must be able to intercept final course without reversal.
- Applies even if 'NoPT' is not charted.
- AIM 5-4-9 details procedure turn exceptions.
Memory trick: Direct to FAF? No Turn, Just Go.