Option Approach
Training approaches often allow pilots to practice multiple landing outcomes within a single clearance. Understanding the option approach helps pilots recognize how ATC authorization can permit a full stop, touch-and-go, stop-and-go, or low approach during training operations.
Introduction to Option Approach
- Option approaches permit a pilot the option to make a touch-and-go, low approach, missed approach, stop-and-go, or full stop landing
- Use of this procedure can be very beneficial in facilitating training situations in that neither the student pilot nor examinee would know what maneuver would be accomplished
- The advantages of this procedure as a training aid are that it enables an instructor or examiner to obtain the reaction of a trainee or examinee under changing conditions, the pilot would not have to discontinue an approach in the middle of the procedure due to student error or pilot proficiency requirements, and finally it allows more flexibility and economy in training programs
- The pilot should make a request for this procedure passing the final approach fix inbound on an instrument approach or entering downwind for a VFR traffic pattern
- Pilot: "[Agency], [Callsign], [Location], request option"
- After ATC approval of the option, the pilot should inform ATC as soon as possible of any delay on the runway during their stop-and-go or full stop landing
- This procedure will only be used at those locations with an operational control tower and will be subject to ATC approval
- ATC: "Cleared for the option"
Conclusion
- To learn more about instrument procedures, be sure to check out the Instrument Procedures Handbook online or in paperback
- Pilots can visit the FAA's Instrument Flight Procedures Information Gateway to review and submit questions related to the how and why certain procedures are as they are
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