FAA Instrument Flight Instructor (FII)IFR Procedures and ApproachesMedium
A pilot is conducting an instrument approach to an airport where the published approach procedure has a final approach course that is not aligned with the runway centerline. To be considered a straight-in landing, what is the maximum permissible angle between the final approach course and the runway centerline?
- A15 degrees
- B45 degrees
- C30 degrees
- D20 degrees
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. 30 degrees
According to TERPS (Terminal Instrument Procedures) criteria, for an approach to be designated as a straight-in approach, the final approach course must not exceed a 30-degree angle with the runway centerline. If the angle is greater than 30 degrees, only circling minimums will be published.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. 15 degrees is too restrictive; the limit is higher.
- B. 45 degrees would require circling minimums, as it exceeds the straight-in criteria.
- D. 20 degrees is also too restrictive; the limit is higher.
Straight-In Landing Criteria (Course Alignment)
For an instrument approach to be considered a straight-in landing, the final approach course must not exceed a 30-degree angle with the runway centerline.
- Based on TERPS criteria.
- If angle > 30 degrees, only circling minimums are published.
- Applies to both precision and non-precision approaches.
- Ensures a safe and reasonable alignment for landing.
Memory trick: Straight-in requires course, 30 degrees or less, of course!