Chapter 4
• Updated paragraph “Weather Sources, ” changing “Automated Flight Service Station (AFSS)” to be “Flight Service Station
(FSS). ” Changed access to Direct User Access Terminal System (DUATS) to be by any pilot rather than only those with
a current medical certificate. Updated the internet address for DUATS. Updated references for “DUATS service” to
“DUATS II service. ” Added information about finding the phone number to use for the Telephone Information Briefing
Service (TIBS).
• Changed a reference in paragraph, “Minimum Descent Altitude (MDA), Decision Altitude (DA), and Decision Height
(DH)” for Enhanced Flight Vision System (EFVS) to be 14 CFR Part 91 § 91.176.
• Updated figures 4-10a, 4-10b, and 4-10c, which depict EFVS, showing the view during an approach and depicting
the operation using EFVS.
• Updated paragraph “Enhanced Flight Vision Systems (EFVS) and Instrument Approaches” incorporating changes to
14 CFR Part 91 and describe the EFVS operation.
• Updated a discussion of RNAV (GPS) approach chart lines of approach minimums in paragraph“Advantages of WAAS
Enabled LPV Approaches. ”
• Changed reference in paragraph “Missed Approach” for EFVS to be 14 CFR Part 91 § 91.176.
• Deleted figure 4-23 due to outdated information. Renumbered subsequent figures and references.
• Updated paragraph “Maximum Acceptable Descent Rates” regarding descent after visual descent point (VDP).
• Reworded paragraph “Visual Approaches” regarding controller and pilot responsibilities.
• Updated paragraph “ILS Approaches” regarding simultaneous approach operations and moved some of the material
to paragraph titled “Simultaneous Approaches to Parallel Runways. ”
• Changed paragraph “Approaches to Parallel Runways” to “Simultaneous Approaches to Parallel Runways” and updated
regarding the classifications of simultaneous approach operations and operational requirements.
• Changed paragraph “Parallel (Dependent) Approaches” to “Simultaneous Dependent Approaches” and updated
regarding dependent approach operations, the minimum separation distances used by ATC, and examples of chart
notes.
• Changed paragraph “Simultaneous Parallel Approaches” to “Simultaneous Independent Approaches” and updated
regarding simultaneous independent approach operations, aircraft equipment requirements (such as FD or AP),
minimum runway spacing, and the lines of minimums that may be used.
• Updated paragraph “Simultaneous Close Parallel Precision Runway Monitor Approaches” regarding Close Parallel
simultaneous independent approach operations. An updated list is provided showing differences for precision runway
monitor (PRM) approaches compared to other simultaneous approaches, minimum runway spacing has decreased,
and (as shown in figure 4-48) RNAV approaches may now be used for simultaneous close parallel operations based
on safety studies in the past few years.
• Updated paragraph “Simultaneous Offset Instrument Approaches (SOIAs)” regarding SOIA operations, the types of
approaches that are authorized, and the type of surveillance equipment required.
• Updated figure 4-43 depiction of simultaneous approach operations.
• Revised titles for figures 4-43 through 4-49 to match the type of ATC operation and/or the approach name or type
that is depicted.
• Updated explanatory note on figure 4-45 showing the range of different simultaneous operations that might apply.
• Revised titles for figures 4-46 and 4-47; updated figures to show examples of simultaneous operations.
• Revised title for figure 4-48 and updated example of a simultaneous close parallel approach and the associated
Attention All Users Page.
• Revised title for figure 4-49 and updated example of a simultaneous offset Instrument approach and the associated
Attention All Users Page.
Chapter 5
• Updated paragraph “Next Generation Air Transportation (NextGen) System” information about automatic dependent
surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B).
• Updated paragraph “NextGen Existing Improvements” information about ADS-B.
• Updated description of ADS-B.
• Added a new paragraph, “Synthetic Vision Guidance System (SVGS). ”
• Updated references in paragraph, “Enhanced Flight Vision System (EFVS)” to include AC 90 106, Enhanced Flight
Vision Systems.
• Changed paragraph “Developing Combined Technology” to “Combined Vision System Technology” and discusses the
concept of equivalent visual operations (EVO) where flight operations continue irrespective of the actual weather
conditions.
Chapter 7
• Updated various paragraphs by changing “Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS)” to “Helicopter Air
Ambulance (HAA). ”
• Clarified in paragraph “Helicopter IFR Takeoff Minimums” regarding takeoff minimums and acceleration to minimum
speed.
• Updated figure 7-7 regarding the visibility for “Class G 1200 feet or less above the surface” changing from “none” to
“½ SM. ”
• Updated paragraph “Approach to a PinS” regarding proceeding VFR in uncontrolled airspace. Deleted figure 7-14
and references to the figure are deleted; information is already covered elsewhere in the paragraph.
• Reworded paragraph “Approach to a Specific VFR Heliport” indicating that some of the requirements stated in the
first sub-paragraph apply only to public procedures.
Appendix B
• Updated “A/FD—Airport/Facility Directory section of the Chart Supplement (CS). ”
• Updated “AFMS—Aircraft Flight Manual Supplements. ”
• Added “CS—Chart Supplement” and “D-CS—Digital Chart Supplement. ” and,
• Added “SVGS – Synthetic Vision Guidance System. ”
Glossary
• Updated “Airport/Facility Directory (A/FD). ”
• Added “Chart Supplement (CS or d-CS for digital Chart Supplement). ”
• Added “Closely Spaced Dependent Approaches. ”
• Added “EFVS operation. ”
• Added “Enhanced Flight Vision System (EFVS). ”
• Updated “Positive Course Guidance (PCG). ”
• Updated “Standard Terminal Arrival (STAR). ”
• Updated “Positive Course Guidance (PCG). ”
• Updated “Standard Terminal Arrival (STAR). ”
• Added “Standard Terminal Arrival (STAR) Charts. ”
• Added “Synthetic Vision Guidance System (SVGS.)”
• Updated “Synthetic Vision System (SVS). ”
Table of Contents
Preface.............................................................................................. iii
Acknowledgments....................................................................... iv
Summary of Changes.................................................................. vi
Table of Contents ........................................................................ iix
Chapter 1
Departure Procedures ............................................................. 1-1
Introduction ............................................................................... 1-1
Surface Movement Safety ...................................................... 1-2
Airport Sketches and Diagrams ....................................... 1-2
Airport/Facility Directory (A/FD) section of the Chart
Supplement (CS) ............................................................... 1-2
Surface Movement Guidance Control System
(SMGCS)................................................................................ 1-3
Advanced Surface Movement Guidance Control
System (A-SMGCS)............................................................ 1-4
Airport Signs, Lighting, and Markings........................... 1-5
Runway Incursions................................................................ 1-5
Runway Hotspots.................................................................. 1-6
Standardized Taxi Routes ................................................... 1-6
Taxi and Movement Operations Change...................... 1-8
Weather and the Departure Environment ....................... 1-8
Takeoff Minimums ................................................................ 1-8
Takeoff Minimums for Commercial Operators ........... 1-8
Operations Specifications (OpSpecs)............................. 1-8
Ceiling and Visibility Requirements..............................1-10
Visibility .................................................................................1-10
Prevailing Visibility..............................................................1-10
Runway Visibility Value (RVV) .........................................1-10
Tower Visibility .....................................................................1-11
Runway Visual Range (RVR) .............................................1-11
Adequate Visual Reference..............................................1-11
Ceilings ...................................................................................1-11
Automated Weather Systems .............................................1-12
Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS) .......1-12
Digital Automatic Terminal Information Service
(D-ATIS) ...............................................................................1-12
IFR Alternate Requirements ............................................1-13
Alternate Minimums for Commercial Operators .....1-14
Departure Procedures ...........................................................1-16
Design Criteria......................................................................1-16
Low, Close-In Obstacles....................................................1-18
One-Engine-Inoperative (OEI) Takeoff Obstacle
Clearance Requirements .............................................1-20
Categories of Departure Procedures................................1-23
Obstacle Departure Procedures (ODPs)......................1-23
ODP Flight Planning Considerations............................1-23
Standard Instrument Departures (SIDs)......................1-26
Transition Routes ................................................................1-26
SID Flight Planning Considerations..............................1-28
Area Navigation (RNAV) Departures ............................1-30
SID Altitudes ........................................................................1-36
Pilot Responsibility For Use Of RNAV Departures ...1-37
Radar Departures ................................................................1-38
Diverse Vector Area ............................................................1-42
Visual Climb Over Airport (VCOA).................................1-42
Noise Abatement Procedures.........................................1-42
Procedural Notes .....................................................................1-43
DP Responsibilities .............................................................1-43
Departures From Tower-Controlled Airports ............1-43
Departures From Airports Without an Operating
Control Tower ...................................................................1-43
Ground Communication Outlet.....................................1-44
See and Avoid Techniques...............................................1-44
VFR Departures....................................................................1-44
Chapter 2
En Route Operations ................................................................ 2-1
Introduction ................................................................................ 2-1
En Route Navigation................................................................. 2-2
Airways ..................................................................................... 2-2
Air Route Traffic Control Centers ..................................... 2-3
Safe Separation Standards................................................. 2-4
Sectors ...................................................................................... 2-5
In-flight Requirements and Instructions ...................... 2-6
High Altitude Area Navigation Routing........................ 2-7
Preferred IFR Routes............................................................. 2-7
Substitute Airway or Route Structures.......................... 2-9
Substitute Airway En Route Flight Procedures........... 2-9
Tower En Route Control....................................................2-10
Tower En Route Control Route Descriptions.............2-10
Airway and Route System ....................................................2-13
Airway/Route Depiction...................................................2-13
IFR En Route Low Altitude Chart ...................................2-14
IFR En Route High Altitude Chart .................................2-17
VHF Airways ..........................................................................2-18
Victor Airway Navigation Procedures..........................2-18
LF/MF Airways......................................................................2-18
En Route Obstacle Clearance Areas..............................2-18
Primary and Secondary En Route Obstacle Clearance
Areas....................................................................................2-19
Changeover Points .............................................................2-20
Direct Route Flights............................................................2-21
Published RNAV Routes ....................................................2-23
Composition of Designators ...........................................2-23
Use of Designators in Communications .....................2-24
Random RNAV Routes .......................................................2-25
Off-Airway Routes...............................................................2-26
Off-Route Obstruction Clearance Altitude ................2-27
Monitoring of Navigation Facilities ..............................2-29
Navigational Gaps...............................................................2-29
NAVAID Accuracy Check...................................................2-29
VOR Accuracy .......................................................................2-29
VOT...........................................................................................2-29
VOR Checkpoint Signs.......................................................2-30
Dual VOR Check...................................................................2-31
Airborne VOR Check...........................................................2-31
NDB Accuracy Check..........................................................2-31
RNAV Accuracy Check .......................................................2-31
Waypoints ..................................................................................2-32
User-Defined Waypoints...................................................2-32
Floating Waypoints.............................................................2-32
Computer Navigation Performance .................................2-33
Required Navigation Performance ...................................2-34
RNP Levels .............................................................................2-35
Standard RNP Levels ..........................................................2-35
Application of Standard RNP Levels.............................2-35
IFR En Route Altitudes ...........................................................2-35
Minimum En Route Altitude (MEA) ..............................2-35
RNAV Minimum En Route Altitude ...............................2-35
Minimum Reception Altitude (MRA)............................2-35
Maximum Authorized Altitude (MAA).........................2-35
Minimum Obstruction Clearance Altitude (MOCA)2-36
Minimum Turning Altitude (MTA) .................................2-38
Minimum Crossing Altitude (MCA)...............................2-40
Minimum IFR Altitude (MIA)............................................2-40
Minimum Vectoring Altitudes (MVA) ...........................2-41
IFR Cruising Altitude or Flight Level.............................2-42
Reduced Vertical Separation Minimums (RSVM).....2-43
Cruise Clearance..................................................................2-43
Lowest Usable Flight Level ..............................................2-43
Operations in Other Countries.......................................2-44
Altitude Above Ground (QFE).........................................2-45
Barometric Pressure for Standard Altimeter Setting
(QNE)....................................................................................2-45
Barometric Pressure for Local Altimeter Setting
(QNH)...................................................................................2-45
En Route Reporting Procedures ........................................2-46
Non-Radar Position Reports............................................2-46
Flights in a Radar Environment......................................2-46
Position Report Items ........................................................2-46
Additional Reports..............................................................2-46
Communication Failure.........................................................2-47
ARTCC Radio Frequency Outage...................................2-48
Climbing and Descending En Route ................................2-48
Aircraft Speed and Altitude.............................................2-49
En Route Holding Procedures.............................................2-51
ATC Holding Instructions .................................................2-51
Maximum Holding Speed................................................2-52
High Performance Holding .............................................2-52
En Route Safety Considerations.........................................2-52
Fuel State Awareness.........................................................2-52
Diversion Procedures.........................................................2-52
Chapter 3
Arrivals........................................................................................... 3-1
Introduction ................................................................................ 3-1
Navigation in the Arrival Environment.............................. 3-2
Descent Planning.................................................................. 3-3
Vertical Navigation (VNAV) Planning............................. 3-4
LNAV/VNAV Equipment ...................................................... 3-6
Descent Planning for High Performance Aircraft...... 3-6
Descending From the En Route Altitude...................... 3-8
Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT)............................... 3-9
Standard Terminal Arrival Routes (STARs) ......................3-10
RNAV STARs or STAR Transitions ....................................3-12
Interpreting the STAR ........................................................3-12
STAR Procedures .................................................................3-16
Preparing for the Arrival........................................................3-16
Reviewing the Approach..................................................3-16
Altitude ..................................................................................3-18
Airspeed ................................................................................3-20
Holding Patterns .................................................................3-21
Approach Clearance...........................................................3-22
Present Position Direct......................................................3-24
Radar Vectors to Final Approach Course ...................3-24
Special Airport Qualification ...............................................3-26
Chapter 4
Approaches ................................................................................. 4-1
Introduction ................................................................................ 4-1
Approach Planning .................................................................. 4-2
Weather Considerations ........................................................ 4-2
Weather Sources .................................................................. 4-2
Broadcast Weather ............................................................... 4-4
Automated Terminal Information Service (ATIS) ....... 4-5
Automated Weather Observing Programs .................. 4-5
Automated Weather Observing System ....................... 4-5
Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS)/
Automated Weather Sensor System (AWSS) .............. 4-5
Center Weather Advisories (CWA)................................... 4-6
Weather Regulatory Requirements ............................... 4-6
Weather Requirements and Part 91 Operators .......... 4-6
Weather Requirements and Part 135 Operators........ 4-7
Weather Requirements and Part 121 Operators ....... 4-7
Aircraft Performance Considerations................................. 4-7
Aircraft Performance Operating Limitations .............. 4-7
Aircraft Approach Categories ........................................... 4-8
Instrument Approach Charts ................................................ 4-9
Approach Chart Naming Conventions ......................... 4-9
Straight-In Procedures ....................................................... 4-9
Circling-Only Procedures ................................................4-11
Communications ....................................................................4-11
Approach Control ..............................................................4-13
Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC)....................4-13
High or Lack of Minimum Vectoring Altitudes
(MVAs) .................................................................................4-14
Lack of Approach Control Terrain Advisories............4-15
Airports With an ATC Tower ............................................4-15
Airports Without A Control Tower ................................4-15
Primary NAVAID .......................................................................4-17
Equipment Requirements ....................................................4-17
Courses........................................................................................4-17
Traditional Courses ............................................................4-17
Area Navigation Courses .................................................4-18
Altitudes ....................................................................................4-19
Minimum Safe/Sector Altitude .....................................4-19
Final Approach Fix Altitude ............................................4-19
Minimum Descent Altitude (MDA), Decision Altitude
(DA), And Decision Height (DH).....................................4-19
Enhanced Flight Vision Systems (EFVS) and Instrument
Approaches ...........................................................................4-20
Vertical Navigation..................................................................4-23
Wide Area Augmentation System ................................4-25
Benefits Of WAAS In The Airport Environment.........4-25
Advantages Of WAAS Enabled LPV Approaches .....4-25
Ground-Based Augmentation System (GBAS)..........4-26
Required Navigation Performance (RNP)...................4-30
RNAV Approach Authorization .....................................4-30
Baro-VNAV .............................................................................4-31
Hot and Cold Temperature Limitations.......................4-33
LNAV, LANV/VNAV and Circling Minimums...............4-34
Airport/Runway Information ..........................................4-34
Instrument Approach Procedure (IAP) Briefing............4-35
Navigation and Communication Radios ...................4-35
Flight Management System (FMS) ...............................4-35
Autopilot Modes .................................................................4-36
Descents .....................................................................................4-37
Stabilized Approach ..........................................................4-37
Descent Rates and Glidepaths for Nonprecision
Approaches ..............................................................................4-37
Maximum Acceptable Descent Rates..........................4-37
Transition to a Visual Approach ....................................4-39
Missed Approach ...............................................................4-39
Example Approach Briefing ............................................4-42
Instrument Approach Procedure Segments .............4-42
Feeder Routes.......................................................................4-42
Terminal Routes ..................................................................4-42
DME Arcs ...............................................................................4-43
Course Reversal ..................................................................4-43
Initial Approach Segment ...............................................4-49
Intermediate Approach Segment ................................4-49
Final Approach Segment..................................................4-49
Missed Approach Segment ............................................4-50
Approach Clearance ..........................................................4-50
Vectors To Final Approach Course ...............................4-53
Nonradar Environment ....................................................4-54
Types of Approaches..............................................................4-54
Visual and Contact Approaches ....................................4-55
Visual Approaches .............................................................4-56
Contact Approaches .........................................................4-57
Charted Visual Flight Procedures .................................4-57
RNAV Approaches ..............................................................4-57
Terminal Arrival Areas .......................................................4-58
RNAV Approach Types ...........................................................4-60
GPS Overlay of Nonprecision Approach ....................4-60
GPS Stand-Alone/RNAV (GPS) Approach ...................4-60
RNAV (GPS) Approach Using WAAS .............................4-63
ILS Approaches ....................................................................4-63
ILS Approach Categories..................................................4-63
CAT II and III Approaches .................................................4-63
Simultaneous Approaches To Parallel Runways .....4-64
Simultaneous Dependent Approaches.......................4-64
Simultaneous Independent Approaches ...................4-65
Simultaneous Close Parallel Precision Runway Monitor
(PRM) Approaches .........................................................4-65
Simultaneous Offset Instrument Approaches
(SOIAs) ................................................................................4-66
Converging ILS Approaches............................................4-66
VOR Approach .....................................................................4-66
NDB Approach ....................................................................4-69
Radar Approaches .............................................................4-69
Precision Approach Radar (PAR) ....................................4-72
Airport Surveillance Radar (ASR) ...................................4-72
Localizer Approaches ........................................................4-75
Localizer and Localizer DME............................................4-75
Localizer Back Course ........................................................4-76
Localizer-Type Directional Aid (LDA)............................4-76
Simplified Directional Facility (SDF) .............................4-78
Chapter 5
Improvement Plans .................................................................. 5-1
Introduction ................................................................................ 5-1
Next Generation Air Transportation (NextGen)
System....................................................................................... 5-2
NextGen Existing Improvements .................................... 5-5
Benefits of NextGen ............................................................. 5-7
Head-Up Displays (HUD)......................................................... 5-7
Synthetic and Enhanced Vision Systems............................5-8
Synthetic Vision System (SVS)........................................... 5-8
Synthetic Vision Guidance System (SVGS)....................5-9
Enhanced Flight Vision System (EFVS)........................... 5-9
Combined Vision System Technology .......................... 5-9
Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) ...................................................5-10
Access to Special Use Airspace............................................5-11
Civilians Using Special Use Airspace ............................5-11
Chapter 6
Airborne Navigation Databases........................................... 6-1
Introduction ............................................................................... 6-1
Airborne Navigation Database Standardization............ 6-3
ARINC 424................................................................................ 6-4
Fix Records............................................................................... 6-4
Simple Route Records ......................................................... 6-4
Complex Route Records ..................................................... 6-5
Miscellaneous Records........................................................ 6-5
Path and Terminator Concept............................................... 6-5
Path and Terminator Legs .................................................. 6-5
Path and Terminator Limitations ..................................... 6-9
Role of the Database Provider ............................................6-13
Role of the Avionics Manufacturer ...............................6-13
Users Role ..............................................................................6-14
Operational Limitations of Airborne Navigation
Databases...................................................................................6-14
Closed Indefinitely Airports ............................................6-14
Storage Limitations ............................................................6-15
Charting/Database Inconsistencies .............................6-15
Naming Conventions.........................................................6-15
Issues Related To Magnetic Variation...........................6-16
Issues Related To Revision Cycle....................................6-17
Chapter 7
Helicopter Instrument Procedures...................................... 7-1
Introduction ................................................................................ 7-1
Helicopter Instrument Flight Rule (IFR) Certification .. 7-2
Flight and Navigation Equipment .................................. 7-2
Miscellaneous Requirements ........................................... 7-2
Stabilization and Automatic Flight Control
System (AFCS) ................................................................... 7-2
Helicopter Flight Manual Limitations ........................... 7-3
Operations Specifications ................................................. 7-5
Minimum Equipment List (MEL)...................................... 7-5
Pilot Proficiency .................................................................... 7-5
Helicopter VFR Minimums ................................................ 7-8
Helicopter IFR Takeoff Minimums .................................. 7-8
Helicopter IFR Alternates ................................................... 7-8
Part 91 Operators ................................................................. 7-8
Part 135 Operators ............................................................... 7-9
Helicopter Instrument Approaches................................ 7-9
Standard Instrument Approach Procedures to an
Airport .................................................................................. 7-9
Copter Only Approaches to An Airport or
Heliport ..............................................................................7-10
Copter GPS Approaches to an Airport or
Heliport ..............................................................................7-10
Helicopter Approaches to VFR Heliports ...................7-14
Approach to a PinS ............................................................7-14
Approach to a Specific VFR Heliport ...........................7-14
Inadvertent IMC ..................................................................7-16
IFR Heliports .........................................................................7-17
Appendix A
Emergency Procedures ..........................................................A-1
Introduction ...............................................................................A-1
Emergencies ...............................................................................A-1
Inadvertent Thunderstorm Encounter ..........................A-1
Inadvertent Icing Encounter.............................................A-2
Aircraft System Malfunction .............................................A-2
Generator Failure ..................................................................A-3
Instrument Failure ................................................................A-3
Pilot/Static System Failure .................................................A-3
Loss of Situational Awareness (SA) .................................A-3
Inadvertent Instrument Meteorological Condition
(IIMC) .....................................................................................A-4
ATC Requirements During an In-Flight Emergency ......A-5
Provide Information.............................................................A-5
Radar Assistance....................................................................A-5
Emergency Airports ............................................................A-6
Emergency Obstruction Video Map (EOVM)...............A-6
Responsibility .........................................................................A-6
Escort ........................................................................................A-6
Appendix B
Acronyms .....................................................................................B-1
Glossary.........................................................................................G-1