Good evening forum,
Quick question, when flying the traffic pattern I know the positions but I am wondering at what point during an RNAV or ILS approach are you considered to be on final?
Is there a reference within the Navigraph approach plates that shows at which point you’re on final? or is it so many NM’s out?
Thanks in advance.
In an instrument approach, you’re technically On Final after passing the Final Approach Fix, which varies in distance. But six miles from runway end is average. That’s shown on the plate.
In a typical VFR circuit, it’s when you turn Base to Final, which can be anywhere from half-mile to two miles from runway threshold.
Thanks!
Is the FAF indicated by the Maltese Cross? The reason I am asking / confused is some videos I watched the charts actually had IAF / IF / FAF marked but the ones I am referencing do not seem to.
Thanks.
The “Maltese Cross” on approach plates is the final approach fix for non-precision approaches.
This is worth a read:
https://www.goldmethod.com/course_page/1,34,46,0
For precision approaches, the final approach fix is defined as the glide slope intercept at the published altitude. This is identified in the chart’s profile view by the lightning bolt. For non-precision approaches, the final approach fix is identified by the Maltese cross. (An ILS is a precision approach while a LOCALIZER approach is non-precision. Thus, both the bolt and the cross exist on the same approach chart.)
What approach is this for? It looks like the IAF begins at the point that has been cut off on top for this procedure turn. I also see an IF at RIDIK but I cannot tell since I am unable to see the full approach chart.
To answer your question as everybody else though, your “final” pretty much begins once you cross the FAF. In a standard VFR traffic pattern, it starts the second you turn from base to final.
Edit: Never mind I did find it. You are right that it does not specify an IAF, could not find it anywhere. I do not know if it is different for Canada, but every approach chart I practiced in sim and real world has always had a PT with an IAF. This is one of the most common one I use when I fly out of Long Beach over here.
The IAF (Initial Approach Fix) at SLI is for when you’re at the upper level tracking outbound for the reversal, possibly but not necessarily after holding.
The FAF (Final Approach Fix) is the Maltese cross at (or above) 2600’. If there is no maltese cross then final is considered once you’re established inbound (usually after a teardrop type reversal).
Remember there are angle limits imposed when joining a particular potion of the approach, which may require a sector entry. 30 degree maximum angle for example when joining the final leg directly.
Also there are altitude limits on the MSA chart that may require you to descend in the hold, or be established on the ALBAS or WILMA route for a direct entry, or possibly under ATC vectors to final (In which case you’ll be subject to their Minimum Vector Altitude MVA - not listed on this chart, normally on a separate one)
If the MSA is low enough, you can track directly to the FAF (or be vectored directly to it), you aren’t necessarily REQUIRED to fly the entire approach if conditions allow. In this case the MSA is fairly high.
An interesting example: You’re inbound to SLI heading 270 (090 radial inbound) in cloud. You can’t descend below 7000’ due to the MSA. It says maximum entry altitude 6000’ in the notes. BUT this does not preclude you from descending in the hold. It means the maximum altitude you can start tracking outbound is 6000’.
Yes, I always found this approach so interesting, I just wanted to reference this example showing that some approaches with a course reversal contain an IAF, since for him it had a course reversal as well. I had to perform this for my Instrument Check ride. You are right that the IAF begins once you cross the VOR to head outbound for the course reversal. Once you come back inbound, upon crossing the VOR again that is your FAF down to minimums.
The two ways you can do it is like you mentioned, either they will vector you for the VOR-A approach to the FAF, or you can request the full approach with the full course reversal. 90% of the time they will just vector you to get you in as soon as you can. MSA coming in from the North to NE bound is pretty high as you have mountains as high as 5000ft. This is for the SoCal area going into Fullerton Airport.
Helpful thread, thanks for bringing this up.
This topic was automatically closed 30 days after the last reply. New replies are no longer allowed.
