Instrument flight procedures, charts and AIP New Zealand documentation
This domain tests how to read New Zealand instrument procedures and where the authoritative information sits, so that clearances, minima and missed approaches are flown as published.
Documentation
- AIP New Zealand is organised in GEN, ENR and AD sections, supported by AIP Supplements, NOTAM and AICs. Enroute and terminal charts, SIDs, STARs and instrument approach charts carry the procedure design.
- Charts use standard symbols: MSA normally gives 1,000 ft above the highest terrain within 25 nm (raised where terrain demands), MEA and LSALT for enroute, and DA/DH or MDA with visibility or RVR.
Procedure design
- Approach categories depend on threshold speed: A below 91 kt, B 91–120, C 121–140, D 141–165, E above 165 kt. Minima, circling areas and missed approach gradients change with category.
- Instrument approaches end at the MAPt; the missed approach must be commenced at or before it unless the runway is in sight.
Worked example
A Category C aircraft flies an approach with DA 500 ft above aerodrome elevation. Aerodrome elevation is 100 ft, so DA is 600 ft AMSL, flown on QNH. If ATC passes QFE, the equivalent is about 500 ft on the QFE subscale; either way the aircraft must not descend below 600 ft AMSL (or 500 ft QFE) before the required visual reference.
Traps
- Mixing QFE and QNH when applying charted minima.
- Using minima for the wrong approach category.
- Turning before the MAPt or climbing on the wrong missed approach track.
- Relying on an old chart instead of the current AIP amendment, supplement or NOTAM.