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 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).
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    Arc Approach

    Arc Approach Key Highlights

    • Arc approaches use DME or RNAV 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
    • Fly 10, twist 10:
      • Once established on the arc, twist the HSI 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 or tower for landing runways and possible equipment outages
    3. Request approach from Air Traffic Control
    4. Tune and identify the NAVAID and DME, 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/LOC 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 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
      • 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 Airman Certification Standards

    Arc Approach

    Arc Approach Knowledge Check


    Private Pilot

    Core Knowledge Review

    Review the foundational knowledge, key concepts, and practical considerations for Arc Approach.

    Foundational Immediate Feedback Answer Explanations
    Commercial Pilot

    Advanced Application

    Apply your knowledge of Arc Approach to advanced operational scenarios, risk management, and aeronautical decision-making.

    Advanced Scenario Based Risk Management

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    Arc Approach

    Arc Approach Conclusion

    Arc Approach

    Arc Approach References