What does cleared for the approach mean
Emma Miller
Updated on March 24, 2026
Cleared for approach means that you are clear to maintain the heading and altitude given to you by ATC and make the turn to intercept the localiser by yourself, without permission from ATC once they clear you for the approach.
What does cleared for straight-in approach mean?
Straight-In Landing: A landing made on a runway aligned within 30 degrees of the final approach course following completion of an instrument approach. … As you can see, a straight-in approach simply means that you don’t fly a procedure turn or holding-in-lieu-of procedure turn.
When can you descend for an approach?
If you can see the white approach light system and nothing else, you can descend down to 100′ above touchdown zone elevation, regardless of the type of approach you’re flying (even if it’s a non-precision approach). But at the 100′ point, you need other visual references to descend lower.
What does cleared for low approach mean?
A low approach sometimes referred to as a low pass, is essentially a go-around maneuver following an approach. Instead of touching down, a pilot may wish to go-around without touching down in order to expedite a particular operation.What does it mean to be established on an approach?
While the FAA generally defines “established” as being “stable or fixed on a route, route segment, altitude, heading, etc.” the order also notes that “an aircraft is not established on an approach until at or above an altitude published on that segment of the approach.”
What is RNAV approach?
The RNAV approach is a non-precision-based method, which implies an approach that uses a course deviation guidance method yet does not include details about the glide line. For orientation and spatial knowledge, the RNAV approach uses GPS or LORAN horizontal guidance. It flies much like a VOR or a VOR / DME approach.
What does Cleared IlS mean?
When authorized by an instrument approach procedure, you may clear an aircraft for an approach to one runway and inform the aircraft that landing will be made on a parallel runway. EXAMPLE- “Cleared I-L-S Runway seven left approach.
When can you turn on a missed approach procedure?
- Upon arrival at the Missed Approach Point (MAP) or Decision Height (DH), visual reference to the runway environment is insufficient to complete the landing. …
- A safe approach or landing is not possible.
- ATC instructs you to.
Are low approaches legal?
“A low approach with an altitude restriction of not less than 500 feet above the airport may be authorized except over an aircraft in takeoff position or a departure aircraft. … Higher altitudes should be used when warranted.
Can you shoot an approach to a closed runway?It’s legal with the FAA. FAA will shut down the IlS to the closed runway usually. But it’s legal to do the approach.
Article first time published onWhat is a final approach fix?
FINAL APPROACH FIX (FAF) — A specified point on a non-precision instrument approach which identifies the commencement of the final segment. FINAL APPROACH POINT (FAP) — A specified point on the glide path of a precision instrument approach which identifies the commencement of the final segment.
How do I ask for takeoff clearance?
Takeoff clearance is given by the control tower. You simply line up at the departure end of the runway, call the tower, and tell them you’re ready for takeoff. Normally, if there are no aircraft ahead of you and no conflicting traffic, you will be cleared for immediate takeoff.
Can you start an approach from an if?
Pilots can now start an instrument approach, with some restrictions, by flying directly to the IF (intermediate fix). Just to remind those who may have forgotten, the initial segment of a typical instrument approach procedure starts at an IAF and ends at the IF.
What does it mean to be established on the ILS?
Several aircraft can be on the ILS at the same time, several miles apart. An aircraft that has turned onto the inbound heading and is within two and a half degrees of the localizer course (half scale deflection or less shown by the course deviation indicator) is said to be established on the approach.
What is considered established on a localizer?
It defines established as “To be stable or fixed on a route, route segment, altitude, heading, etc.” “To be stable or fixed…” should jump out as a key component of being established. Note that established applies to altitudes, too, not just lateral courses.
What are aircraft approach categories based on?
Aircraft approach category means a grouping of aircraft based on a speed of VREF at the maximum certified landing weight, if specified, or if VREF is not specified, 1.3VSO at the maximum certified landing weight.
Can you fly an instrument approach to a closed runway?
Upon completion of an instrument approach procedure to a closed runway, pilots may execute the published missed approach (or alternate issued instructions), side-step to a parallel runway (where allowed) or circle to another runway for landing (where circling is authorized).
What is an approach via?
Via natural or artificial opening endoscopic approach is entry of instrumentation through a natural or artificial external opening to reach and visualize the site of the procedure.
Is VFR on top an IFR clearance?
It’s easy confuse “VFR-on-top” with “VFR over-the-top.” A VFR on-top clearance is an IFR clearance that allows pilots to fly at VFR altitudes. VFR over-the-top, on the other hand, is an operation where you maintains VFR cloud clearance requirements while operating on top of an overcast layer.
What is ILS Z approach?
The ILS Z or LOC Z RWY 2 approach uses conventional ground based Navaids of VOR and DME for that purpose and has an MSA. Anytime the same navigation facility is used for the final approach, but there are multiple versions for whatever reason, an index letter starting at Z, Y, X .. is used to name the variations.
What is Baro VNAV approach?
Barometric Vertical Navigation (Baro-VNAV) is an Instrument Approach Procedure utilising lateral and vertical guidance. This capability of GNSS enhances the integrity and safety for GNSS approaches and may support lower approach minima’s (DA – Decision Altitudes), as low as 250ft height above touch down (HAT).
What makes an approach a precision approach?
A precision approach is an instrument approach and landing using precision lateral and vertical guidance with minima as determined by the category of operation. … The controller uses the PAR display to guide the pilot or flight crew through the final stages of landing, providing horizontal and vertical guidance.
What is the difference between low approach and low pass?
A low approach is an approach to land which is aborted before touchdown and followed by a go-around. A low pass is a level overflight over the runway at low altitude.
What is a restricted low approach?
A low approach with an altitude restriction of not less than 500 feet above the airport may be authorized except over an aircraft in takeoff position or a departure aircraft. Advise the approaching aircraft of the location of applicable ground traffic, personnel, or equipment. … NOTE: 1.
Can you request a flyby?
In order to request an aircraft flyover, aircraft static display or a parachute demonstration, you must thoroughly complete a DD Form 2535. You must have the form: Completed and signed by the sponsoring organization. Certified (and signed) by the event site owner.
What are the reasons for missed approach?
Many reasons exist for executing a missed approach. The primary reason, of course, is that the required flight visibility prescribed in the IAP being used does not exist or the required visual references for the runway cannot be seen upon arrival at the DA, DH or MAP.
What determines when you go missed approach on an ILS?
On an ILS, the missed approach point is that point at which the glide slope intersects the Decision Altitude (DA). In this example, the climb to 1,100 ft is initiated upon reaching 895 ft and deciding to go missed.
What is the difference between missed approach and go around?
A go-around is an aborted approach or landing : The aircraft is flown in accordance with operational procedures valid for that type of aircraft. A missed approach is an instrument procedure published on the approach chart.
Can a pilot land on a closed runway?
The FAA only cares if it rises to the level of reckless and dangerous. Landing on closed runways is NOT illegal by the FARs. It is almost always something that is acted upon by the local authorities (airport owner, etc…). Years ago we had a student pilot land on our airport.
At what point is the pilot authorized to descend below 5300 feet when cleared to the Ajciz waypoint from the West?
At what point is the pilot authorized to descend below 5,300 feet when cleared to the AJCIZ waypoint from the west? 15 NM from the waypoint. – When arriving from the west, the IAP shows pilot must maintain at least 5,300 feet between 30 NM and 15 NM from AJCIZ.
What is a visual approach in aviation?
A visual approach is an ATC authorization for an aircraft on an IFR flight plan to proceed visually and clear of clouds to the airport of intended landing. A visual approach is not a standard instrument approach procedure and has no missed approach segment.