Instrument Approaches

5 free sample questions of the 40 in this topic. The full set is in the app.

1. Question 1

   The standard segments of an instrument approach procedure (IAP), in order, are:

   • A.Initial / Intermediate / Final / Missed Approach
   • B.Just Final and Missed
   • C.Departure / Approach / Landing
   • D.Cruise / Descent / Land
   Show answer & explanation

   Answer: A. Initial / Intermediate / Final / Missed Approach

   Per IPH Ch 4, the IAP segments are: Initial (from IAF), Intermediate (from IF), Final (from FAF to MAP), and Missed Approach (from MAP). Each segment has its own obstacle-clearance criteria and is connected by the appropriate fixes/waypoints.

   Source: FAA Instrument Procedures Handbook (FAA-H-8083-16B, 2017) — Ch 4, Approach Segments (general)

2. Question 2

   On an instrument approach plate, what does the Maltese cross symbol in the profile view indicate?

   • A.Initial approach fix
   • B.The final approach fix (FAF) on a nonprecision approach — the descent point to MDA
   • C.Missed approach point
   • D.Visual descent point
   Show answer & explanation

   Answer: B. The final approach fix (FAF) on a nonprecision approach — the descent point to MDA

   On a nonprecision approach, the FAF is depicted by a Maltese cross. From the FAF inbound, the pilot descends to MDA (using a stabilized rate or stepdown fixes). On a precision approach, the FAF is implied by the glideslope intercept altitude — not a Maltese cross.

   Source: FAA Instrument Procedures Handbook (FAA-H-8083-16B, 2017) — Ch 1, FAF symbology / Ch 4 approach charts

3. Question 3

   A 'precision approach' (e.g., ILS Cat I) provides:

   • A.Lateral guidance only
   • B.Both lateral AND vertical guidance via electronic course / glideslope; descent to a DA (Decision Altitude), not an MDA
   • C.Vertical guidance only
   • D.A standard rate descent only
   Show answer & explanation

   Answer: B. Both lateral AND vertical guidance via electronic course / glideslope; descent to a DA (Decision Altitude), not an MDA

   A precision approach provides both lateral and vertical electronic guidance and uses a DA (Decision Altitude). Cat I ILS minimum DA is typically 200 ft HAT, RVR 2,400 ft (or 1,800 ft with TDZ/CL lights). Non-precision approaches lack electronic vertical guidance and use MDA.

   Source: FAA Instrument Procedures Handbook (FAA-H-8083-16B, 2017) — Ch 4, Precision/Non-Precision (ILS Cat I)

4. Question 4

   On an ILS approach, the missed approach point (MAP) for the precision portion is:

   • A.The MM
   • B.The point at which the aircraft reaches the DA or DH while on the glideslope/glidepath
   • C.The OM
   • D.10 NM from the airport
   Show answer & explanation

   Answer: B. The point at which the aircraft reaches the DA or DH while on the glideslope/glidepath

   Per IPH Ch 4: 'For a precision approach, the MAP is the point at which the aircraft reaches the DA or DH while on the glideslope/glidepath.' If the visual references in §91.175(c) are not met at DA/DH, the pilot must execute the missed approach.

   Source: FAA Instrument Procedures Handbook (FAA-H-8083-16B, 2017) — Ch 4, MAP on precision approaches (p. 4-40)

5. Question 5

   On a non-precision approach where the primary NAVAID is on the airport (a VOR or NDB approach), the MAP is normally:

   • A.The runway threshold
   • B.The point at which the aircraft passes the on-airport NAVAID
   • C.10 minutes from the FAF
   • D.The decision altitude
   Show answer & explanation

   Answer: B. The point at which the aircraft passes the on-airport NAVAID

   Per IPH Ch 4: 'If the primary NAVAID is on the airport, and either a VOR or NDB approach is being executed, the MAP is normally the point at which the aircraft passes the NAVAID.' Other non-precision approaches use a time-from-FAF or a DME/RNAV fix as the MAP.

   Source: FAA Instrument Procedures Handbook (FAA-H-8083-16B, 2017) — Ch 4, MAP on non-precision approaches (p. 4-40)

35 more Instrument Approaches questions are in the app, along with explanations and flashcards for every one.

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