Overhead Approach Maneuver

The overhead approach is a high-energy arrival technique designed to position an aircraft efficiently for landing. Understanding the overhead approach maneuver helps pilots manage altitude, airspeed, and pattern entry while maintaining visual contact with the runway environment.

Overhead Approach Maneuver

Introduction to Overhead Approach Maneuver

  • The overhead approach maneuver is a 180° energy depleting turn used to slow the aircraft in the landing pattern developed at airports where aircraft have an operational need to conduct the maneuver (military, formation flight recovery, etc.)
  • Available to pilots operating with an Instrument Flight Rule (IFR) flight plan in Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC)
Overhead Approach Maneuver

Overhead Approach Maneuver Key Highlights

  • The overhead approach maneuver is a descending visual arrival procedure commonly used in military and high-performance aircraft operations.
  • The maneuver transitions aircraft from initial approach to landing through a continuous descending traffic pattern.
  • Pilots typically enter the overhead at higher airspeeds before executing a coordinated break maneuver to downwind.
  • Energy management, aircraft spacing, and precise timing are critical during overhead pattern operations.
  • The overhead approach can improve traffic flow efficiency and reduce time spent in conventional traffic patterns.
  • Pilots must manage airspeed reduction, configuration changes, and descent planning throughout the maneuver.
  • Proper visual scanning and communication are essential due to high aircraft speeds and close traffic sequencing.
  • Weather conditions, runway environment, and aircraft performance influence overhead approach execution and safety.
  • Improper spacing, excessive bank angles, or unstable energy management can increase operational risk during the maneuver.
  • Understanding overhead approach maneuvers improves traffic pattern proficiency, aircraft energy management, and overall flight safety.
Overhead Approach Maneuver

Overhead Approach Maneuver

  • An overhead is not an Instrument Approach Procedure (IAP)
  • An aircraft conducting an overhead is considered VFR and the IFR plan canceled when at the initial approach portion of the maneuver
  • Aircraft operating to an airport without a functioning control tower must initiate cancellation of an IFR flight plan prior to executing the overhead maneuver
    • Cancellation of the IFR flight plan must be accomplished after crossing the landing threshold on the initial portion of the maneuver of after landing
  • Overhead Approach Maneuver
    Overhead Approach Maneuver
Overhead Approach Maneuver

Overhead Approach Maneuver Clearance

  • Controllers may authorize an overhead maneuver and issue the following clearance:
  • Pattern altitude and direction of traffic, if either are non-standard
    • "Pattern altitude [Altitude]. Right turns"
  • Request for a report on an initial
    • "Report initial"
  • "Break" information and request for a pilot to report the break
    • The "Break Point" will be specified if nonstandard
    • Pilots may be requested to report "break" if required for traffic or other reasons
    • "Break at [Specified Point]"
    • "Report break"
Overhead Approach Maneuver

Overhead Approach Maneuver Procedure

  • Performed by adhering to the 1% rule:
    • 150 KCAS = 1.5G
    • 200 KCAS = 2.0G
    • Etc.
  • Vary AoB and G to arrive at the appropriate abeam distance
  • Never descend in a break until wings level on downwind
Overhead Approach Maneuver

Overhead Approach Maneuver Conclusion

  • If the maneuver cannot be accommodated, the pilot must be available to fly the conventional rectangular pattern
  • 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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Overhead Approach Maneuver

Overhead Approach Maneuver References