Instrument Flight: Operational Procedures (departure, en route, approach, and missed approach)
What the exam tests
Operational Procedures covers the IFR flight from departure to missed approach: take-off minima, SID, climb gradient, en-route monitoring, approach briefing, stabilised approach, DA or MDA, MAPt and alternate. Expect sequence and decision questions.
Core rules
- Departure: check take-off minima, obstacle clearance, engine-out procedure and SID gradient.
- En route: monitor fuel, weather, alternates and ATC clearance limits.
- Approach: brief the type, runway, minima, MAPt, missed approach and go-around call.
- Stabilised approach: by a specified height, often 1,000 ft in IMC, be on speed, path and configuration; otherwise go around.
- At DA or MDA: decide to land or go around; do not descend below DA unless the required visual reference is adequate.
- Missed approach: follow the published procedure; do not turn before MAPt unless cleared.
Worked example
On an ILS with DA 250 ft, you see the approach lights at 300 ft but not the runway. You may continue to DA; at DA without the required visual reference, go around. Approach lights may allow a lower minima only where the chart and operator rules permit it.
Traps
- Confusing 'cleared for approach' with 'cleared to land'.
- Descending below DA to 'have a look'.
- Turning early on a missed approach.
- Forgetting the alternate weather requirement.