Direction Finding Instrument Approach Procedure
Historical reference: the FAA decommissioned all Direction Finder facilities in the National Airspace System in 2013, so VHF/DF approaches are not a current pilot service.
Introduction to Direction Finding Instrument Approach Procedure
- Historical status: the FAA decommissioned all Direction Finder facilities in the National Airspace System in 2013. Pilots should not plan on VHF (Very High Frequency)/DF guidance or a DF instrument approach as an available service.
- Current pilots who are lost, disoriented, or otherwise need assistance should communicate with ATC (Air Traffic Control) as early as possible, state the nature of the problem and fuel remaining, use available navigation and surveillance services, and declare an urgency or distress condition when appropriate.
- The Pilot/Controller Glossary retains historical DF terminology, but a glossary definition does not indicate that an operational facility or procedure remains available.
- This page is retained only to explain the obsolete terminology. Its former quiz and scenario have been retired so they cannot award syllabus completion or appear as Questions of the Day.
Direction Finding Instrument Approach Procedure
Direction Finding Instrument Approach Procedure Conclusion
- Direction-finding approach terminology is historical and does not describe a service currently available in the National Airspace System.
- Use current FAA publications, charts, NOTAMs (Notices to Airmen), and ATC assistance when planning or responding to a navigation emergency.
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Direction Finding Instrument Approach Procedure References
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) - Pilot/Controller Glossary (historical DF terminology).
- FAA AIM Change 3, August 22, 2013 (decommissioning of all FAA Direction Finders).
- Current FAA Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) emergency services available to pilots.