Overhead Approach Maneuver

Overhead approach maneuvers permit the expeditious recovery of aircraft, especially in the case of multiple aircraft arriving simultaneously.

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