Filing an IFR flight plan

M

meritflyer

Well-Known Member
When you file an IFR plan, do you have to file an initial approach fix at the end of your routing if you're planning on shooting a ILS or other approach in which vectors are typically given for? I usually do, but was told differently today.

Any thoughts??
 
meritflyer said:
When you file an IFR plan, do you have to file an initial approach fix at the end of your routing if you're planning on shooting a ILS or other approach in which vectors are typically given for? I usually do, but was told differently today.

Any thoughts??
Click to expand...

I have never filed an IAF in that situation. I am not sure why you would. Is that how you were trained or????
 
Yes. Its how I was taught years ago. For instance, going into a city where an IAF is miles (10-20) off route for an ILS seems like a mighty large detour where you'd normally be vectored in for the approach rather than turn from 270 to 360 to fly to your IAF, only to have to turn to 180 for your ILS..

Is there any reading material about this you can suggest. I cant find any.
 
meritflyer said:
Yes. Its how I was taught years ago. For instance, going into a city where an IAF is miles (10-20) off route for an ILS seems like a mighty large detour where you'd normally be vectored in for the approach rather than turn from 270 to 360 to fly to your IAF, only to have to turn to 180 for your ILS..

Is there any reading material about this you can suggest. I cant find any.
Click to expand...

You can use a STAR for arrival routing into larger airports, but usually you would either fly the full published approach off the plate, or be given vectors, by Center. That has been my experience. In fact when I was practicing approaches, center would usually offer vectors and I would decline and ask them to fly the published approach.

You can however make those notes in the remarks of your flight plan. Just to give ATC a heads up prior to your arrival.


Here you go though from the AIM:

5-4-4. Advance Information on Instrument Approach
a. When landing at airports with approach control services and where two or more IAPs are published, pilots will be provided in advance of their arrival with the type of approach to expect or that they may be vectored for a visual approach. This information will be broadcast either by a controller or on ATIS. It will not be furnished when the visibility is three miles or better and the ceiling is at or above the highest initial approach altitude established for any low altitude IAP for the airport.
b. The purpose of this information is to aid the pilot in planning arrival actions; however, it is not an ATC clearance or commitment and is subject to change. Pilots should bear in mind that fluctuating weather, shifting winds, blocked runway, etc., are conditions which may result in changes to approach information previously received. It is important that pilots advise ATC immediately they are unable to execute the approach ATC advised will be used, or if they prefer another type of approach.
c. Aircraft destined to uncontrolled airports, which have automated weather data with broadcast capability, should monitor the ASOS/AWOS frequency to ascertain the current weather for the airport. The pilot shall advise ATC when he/she has received the broadcast weather and state his/her intentions.​
 
meritflyer said:
When you file an IFR plan, do you have to file an initial approach fix at the end of your routing if you're planning on shooting a ILS or other approach in which vectors are typically given for?
Click to expand...

Nope, you don't have to. In fact, most people don't. For all of you instructors - take note. Make sure that your students know the difference between what MUST be done, and what you simply prefer to do.

JEP said:
I have never filed an IAF in that situation. I am not sure why you would. Is that how you were trained or????
Click to expand...

I always TRY to file to an IAF or feeder fix for one simple reason: When my radios fall out of the window, ATC knows exactly how I'm going to transition onto the approach.

Doesn't always work out, but I try.
 
Here's a really good resource on ATC topics: AvWeb's Don Brown "Say Again" columns.

Don is pretty much a by-the-book kind of guy, and many of the current ways of doing things go against what he preaches, but he does a good job of outlining "why" by-the-book is important. At the very least it will get you thinking about some things.
 
mtsu_av8er said:
Nope, you don't have to. In fact, most people don't. For all of you instructors - take note. Make sure that your students know the difference between what MUST be done, and what you simply prefer to do.



I always TRY to file to an IAF or feeder fix for one simple reason: When my radios fall out of the window, ATC knows exactly how I'm going to transition onto the approach.

Doesn't always work out, but I try.
Click to expand...

:yeahthat:
Th way I think about it is that let say you're app a class C or even B airport in IMC,
this airport has 3 runways and 4 ILSs, you lose your radios, you didnt file an IAF or feeder fix, now ATC has no idea what to expect from you and they have to hold everybody until you land and they somehow find out you did.
 
Even if approach did know what you were going to do, they'd still hold everybody.
 
falconvalley said:
Even if approach did know what you were going to do, they'd still hold everybody.
Click to expand...
it may depend on the situation, I think that if you lose your radio an ATC is watching on radar you're following whats on your flight plan all the way through, I dont see the need to hold everybody.
 
The only reason to file to an IAF is for Comm. failure. It's not like you're going to actually fly to the IAF if approach is vectoring traffic at a busy airport, but in case of a radio failure both you and ATC know where you're going to go.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top