Introduction:
- Note: Task D, Circling Approach, is applicable only to the airplane category
- Note: The requirements for conducting a GPS approach for the purpose of this test are explained on page 8 of the Introduction
Task A: Nonprecision Approach (NPA):
- Note: The applicant must accomplish at least two nonprecision approaches (one of which must include a procedure turn or, in the case of an RNAV approach, a Terminal Arrival Area (TAA) procedure) in simulated or actual instrument conditions
- At least one nonprecision approach must be flown without the use of autopilot and without the assistance of radar vectors. (The yaw damper and flight director are not considered parts of the autopilot for purpose of this part)
- If the equipment allows, at least one nonprecision approach shall be conducted without vertical guidance
- The examiner will select nonprecision approaches that are representative of the type that the applicant is likely to use
- The choices must utilize two different types of navigational aids. Some examples of navigational aids for the purpose of this part are: NDB, VOR, LOC, LDA, SDF, GPS, or RNAV (including LNAV/VNAV and RNP-AR)
- Objective: To determine that the applicant:
- Exhibits adequate knowledge of the elements related to an instrument approach procedure
- Selects and complies with the appropriate instrument approach procedure to be performed
- Establishes two-way communications with ATC, as appropriate, to the phase of flight or approach segment, and uses proper communication phraseology and technique
- Selects, tunes, identifies, and confirms the operational status of navigation equipment to be used for the approach procedure
- Complies with all clearances issued by ATC or the examiner
- Recognizes if any flight instrumentation is inaccurate or inoperative, and takes appropriate action
- Advises ATC or examiner anytime that the aircraft is unable to comply with a clearance
- Establishes the appropriate aircraft configuration and airspeed considering turbulence and wind shear, and completes the aircraft checklist items appropriate to the phase of the flight
- Maintains, prior to beginning the final approach segment, altitude within ±100 feet, heading within plusmn;10° and allows less than 3/4-scale deflection of the CDI or within plusmn;10° in the case of an RMI, and maintains airspeed within plusmn;10 knots
- Applies the necessary adjustments to the published MDA and visibility criteria for the aircraft approach category when required, such as:
- NOTAMs
- Inoperative aircraft and ground navigation equipment
- Inoperative visual aids associated with the landing environment
- NWS reporting factors and criteria
- Establishes a stabilized approach profile with a rate of descent and track that will ensure arrival at the MDA prior to reaching the MAP
- Allows, while on the final approach segment, no more than a 3/4-scale deflection of the CDI or within 10° in case of an RMI, and maintains airspeed within plusmn;10 knots of that desired
- Maintains the MDA, when reached, within plusmn;100 feet, -0 feet to the MAP
- Executes the missed approach procedure when the required visual references for the intended runway are not distinctly visible and identifiable at the MAP
- Executes a normal landing from a straight-in or circling approach when instructed by the examiner
- Uses MFD and other graphical navigation displays, if installed, to monitor position, track wind drift and other parameters to maintain desired flightpath
- Demonstrates an appropriate level of single-pilot resource management skills
Task B: Precision Approach (PA):
- Note: A precision approach, utilizing aircraft NAVAID equipment for centerline and vertical guidance, must be accomplished in simulated or actual instrument conditions to DA/DH
- Objective: To determine that the applicant:
- Exhibits adequate knowledge of the precision instrument approach procedures
- Accomplishes the appropriate precision instrument approaches as selected by the examiner
- Establishes two-way communications with ATC using the proper communications phraseology and techniques, as required for the phase of flight or approach segment
- Complies, in a timely manner, with all clearances, instructions, and procedures
- Advises ATC anytime that the applicant is unable to comply with a clearance
- Establishes the appropriate airplane configuration and airspeed/V-speed considering turbulence, wind shear, microburst conditions, or other meteorological and operating conditions
- Completes the aircraft checklist items appropriate to the phase of flight or approach segment, including engine out approach and landing checklists, if appropriate
- Prior to beginning the final approach segment, maintains the desired altitude ±100 feet, the desired airspeed within ±10 knots, the desired heading within ±10°; and accurately tracks radials, courses, and bearings
- Selects, tunes, identifies, and monitors the operational status of ground and airplane navigation equipment used for the approach
- Applies the necessary adjustments to the published DA/DH and visibility criteria for the airplane approach category as required, such as:
- NOTAMs
- Inoperative airplane and ground navigation equipment
- Inoperative visual aids associated with the landing environment
- NWS reporting factors and criteria
- Establishes a predetermined rate of descent at the point where the electronic glideslope begins, which approximates that required for the aircraft to follow the glideslope
- Maintains a stabilized final approach, from the Final Approach Fix to DA/DH allowing no more than 3/4-scale deflection of either the glideslope or localizer indications and maintains the desired airspeed within ±10 knots
- A missed approach or transition to a landing shall be initiated at Decision Height
- Initiates immediately the missed approach when at the DA/DH, and the required visual references for the runway are not unmistakably visible and identifiable
- Transitions to a normal landing approach (missed approach for seaplanes) only when the aircraft is in a position from which a descent to a landing on the runway can be made at a normal rate of descent using normal maneuvering
- Maintains localizer and glideslope within 3/4-scale deflection of the indicators during the visual descent from DA/DH to a point over the runway where glideslope must be abandoned to accomplish a normal landing
- Uses MFD and other graphical navigation displays, if installed, to monitor position, track wind drift and other parameters to maintain desired flightpath
- Demonstrates an appropriate level of single-pilot resource management skills
Task C: Missed Approach:
- Objective: To determine that the applicant:
- Exhibits adequate knowledge of the elements related to missed approach procedures associated with standard instrument approaches
- Initiates the missed approach promptly by applying power, establishing a climb attitude, and reducing drag in accordance with the aircraft manufacturer's recommendations
- Reports to ATC beginning the missed approach procedure
- Complies with the published or alternate missed approach procedure
- Advises ATC or examiner anytime that the aircraft is unable to comply with a clearance, restriction, or climb gradient
- Follows the recommended checklist items appropriate to the go-around procedure
- Requests, if appropriate, ATC clearance to the alternate airport, clearance limit, or as directed by the examiner
- Maintains the recommended airspeed within ±10 knots; heading, course, or bearing within ±10°; and altitude(s) within ±100 feet during the missed approach procedure
- Uses MFD and other graphical navigation displays, if installed, to monitor position and track to help navigate the missed approach
- Demonstrates an appropriate level of single-pilot resource management skills
Task D: Circling Approach:
- Objective: To determine that the applicant:
- Exhibits adequate knowledge of the elements related to a circling approach procedure
- Selects and complies with the appropriate circling approach procedure considering turbulence and wind shear and considering the maneuvering capabilities of the aircraft
- Confirms the direction of traffic and adheres to all restrictions and instructions issued by ATC and the examiner
- Does not exceed the visibility criteria or descend below the appropriate circling altitude until in a position from which a descent to a normal landing can be made
- Maneuvers the aircraft, after reaching the authorized MDA and maintains that altitude within +100 feet, -0 feet and a flightpath that permits a normal landing on a runway. The runway selected must be such that it requires at least a 90° change of direction, from the final approach course, to align the aircraft for landing
- Demonstrates an appropriate level of single-pilot resource management skills
Task E: Landing From a Straight-In Or Circling Approach:
- Objective: To determine that the applicant:
- Exhibits adequate knowledge of the elements related to the pilot's responsibilities, and the environmental, operational, and meteorological factors, which affect a landing from a straight-in or a circling, approach
- Transitions at the DA/DH, MDA, or VDP to a visual flight condition, allowing for safe visual maneuvering and a normal landing
- Adheres to all ATC (or examiner) advisories, such as NOTAMs, wind shear, wake turbulence, runway surface, braking conditions, and other operational considerations
- Completes appropriate checklist items for the prelanding and landing phase
- Maintains positive aircraft control throughout the complete landing maneuver
- Demonstrates an appropriate level of single-pilot resource management skills
References:
- 14 CFR parts 61
- 14 CFR parts 91
- FAA-H-8083-15
- IAP
- AIM