Arc Approach

Arcing approaches provide the safe and expeditious transition from the en-route environment to the terminal area.

Arc Approach

Introduction to Arc Approach

  • An arcing approach is a type of instrument approach where the aircraft flies a set radius around the NAVAID (Navigational Aid) in order to intercept a final approach course inbound

  • WARNING:
    All procedures are GENERALIZED.
    Use the Pilot Operating Handbook (POH) procedures for specific aircraft performance and limitations.
    and/or current Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
  • Reinforce your understanding of Arc Approach by completing the knowledge quiz and interactive scenario, comparing your performance with the applicable Airman Certification Standards, and reviewing the topic summary before moving on.
On This Page

Help Us Grow

Enjoy CFI Notebook? A one-time donation helps us create more high-quality lessons, quizzes, scenarios, graphics, and interactive tools.

One-Time Donation
Arc Approach

Arc Approach Key Highlights

  • Arc approaches use DME or RNAV (Area Navigation) guidance to transition aircraft along a curved path toward an instrument approach course.
  • DME arcs maintain a constant distance from a navigation facility while maneuvering around the station.
  • Pilots must make continuous heading adjustments to maintain the published arc distance accurately.
  • Wind correction techniques are essential during arc approaches to prevent drifting inside or outside the desired arc.
  • Arc approaches require careful workload management, situational awareness, and navigation instrument monitoring.
  • Pilots commonly use small heading changes and lead radials to maintain smooth course tracking along the arc.
  • Modern GPS and RNAV systems can simplify arc navigation compared to traditional ground-based navigation methods.
  • Approach briefings should include arc distance, entry procedures, lead points, altitudes, and transition fixes.
  • Improper navigation management during arc approaches can lead to course deviations and increased workload.
  • Understanding arc approaches improves instrument navigation proficiency, aircraft control precision, and overall flight safety.
Arc Approach

Arc Methods

  • Fly the arc via GPS:
    • Simply follow the indications on the GPS (Global Positioning System)
  • Fly 10, twist 10:
    • Once established on the arc, twist the HSI (Horizontal Situation Indicator) 10 degrees off (in direction of turn-twist left, turn left or twist right, turn right)
    • Fly until HSI centers then turn 10 degrees along the arc and twist another 10 degrees
    • Continue doing this until you reach the lead turn radial to turn on the final approach course
    • Essentially, the pilot is turning the arc into segments
Arc Approach

Arc Approach Procedure

  1. ILS or LOC 7L KDAB Arcing Approach
    ILS or LOC 7L KDAB Arcing Approach
  2. Listen to ATIS (Automatic Terminal Information Service) or tower for landing runways and possible equipment outages
  3. Request approach from Air Traffic Control (ATC)
  4. Tune and identify the NAVAID and DME (distance measuring equipment), as appropriate
  5. Verify that the HI or HSI is aligned with the magnetic compass
  6. Fly ATC instructions, which will be vectors for final (skip ahead) or vectors for the initial approach fix (IAF)
    • Looking at the ILS (Instrument Landing System)/LOC (Localizer) 7L, you will proceed to HANAV if from the north or MIKBE if from the south. []
  7. Review the approach plate and give an approach brief.
  8. Determine whether to join the arc with a left or right turn
  9. Join the arc by anticipating turn radius
    • Intercepting the arc from a radial (90°), use 0.5-1% of the ground speed
    • If intercepting at less than an 90° degree angle, use less lead
    • Comply with all altitude restrictions
  10. Note the distance after the turn is completed:
    • If the DME is 0.1 greater than the arc, turn 10° toward the arc
    • If the DME is 0.1 less than the arc, maintain your current heading until the DME increases to the assigned DME distance, then turn 10deg; toward the arc
  11. To help maintain positional orientation and situational awareness, use the OBS (omni bearing selector) to determine your position along the arc
  12. Complete the descent flow/checklists
  13. Fly the arc until your lead radial for the final approach course
    • Lead radial is determined using your arc distance and Ground Speed (GS):
      • 60 ÷ Arc Distance x 1% of GS
      • Example: If the arc is 16 NM, flying at 80 knots ground speed:
        • 60 ÷ 16 x .8 = 3 radials
  14. Join the final approach course and center up the CDI (Course Deviation Indicator)
    • Comply with all altitude restrictions
  15. At the Final Approach Fix (FAF), report:
    • "[Facility-Tower], [Callsign], final approach fix, gear 3 down and locked"
  16. Descend to Minimum Descent Altitude (MDA), complying with altitude restrictions
  17. At the missed approach point, execute the missed approach instructions
  18. ILS or LOC 7L KDAB Arcing Approach
    ILS or LOC 7L KDAB Arcing Approach
Arc Approach

Arc Approach Interactive Scenario

Scenario illustration for Arc Approach.

The DME Arc in a Strengthening Crosswind

Join, maintain, and leave a DME arc while managing wind, distance error, lead points, and equipment failure. Abbreviations used in this scenario: Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range (VOR).

4 DecisionsScenario-Based TrainingDME Arc ApproachConsequence-BasedRetry and Debrief
Decision 1
0%

Scenario Complete

Arc Approach

Arc Approach Knowledge Check

Choose the knowledge check that matches your current training for Arc Approach.

Private Pilot quiz illustration Private Pilot

PPL knowledge check

Core Knowledge Review

Review foundational knowledge, key concepts, and practical considerations. Topic: Arc Approach.

  • Immediate feedback
  • Answer explanations
  • Account progress tracking

Why Take a Quiz?

Quizzes reinforce key concepts, identify knowledge gaps, and build confidence for real-world decisions. Quiz material is representative of the information provided here and is not based on or sourced from the Federal Aviation Administration test bank.

Arc Approach

Arc Approach Airman Certification Standards

Arc Approach

Arc Approach Conclusion

Arc Approach

Arc Approach References