Instrument Flight Procedures
Procedure anatomy
Every instrument procedure has the same skeleton: arrival/transition, initial segment, intermediate segment, final segment, missed approach, and holding. Candidates must know the design criteria and the pilot's obligations in each segment. Key concepts: procedure turns, base turns, DME arcs, feeder routes, step-down fixes, and the missed approach point.
Minima and categories
Approach minima depend on aircraft category (A through E, based on Vat), procedure design, and the type of approach (precision, APV, non-precision). Know the difference between MDA and DA, and between MAPt and the visual descent point. Traps: assuming a non-precision approach has a DA; using the wrong category for the aircraft's approach speed; forgetting that circling minima require visual maneuvering within a defined area.
Holding
Holding entries depend on the aircraft's heading relative to the inbound course: direct, parallel, or teardrop. Standard holding is right turns, 1-minute legs (or DME legs), at or below 14,000 ft; above that, legs are typically 1.5 minutes. Know the wind correction and the timing adjustment.
Worked rule of thumb
For holding entry, compare the aircraft heading to the inbound course. If the heading falls within the sector on the holding side, use a parallel or teardrop entry as appropriate; if on the non-holding side, use direct. Draw the hold before deciding.
Study approach
Practice drawing ten procedures from chart descriptions and labeling each segment and minimum.