Pilot's tip of the week

Vectors To Final Approach

Featuring

Subscriber question:

 "Why does ATC always seem to vector me too close to the FAF while shooting an ILS? I also frequently fly through the localizer because the intercept heading is more than 30 degrees. I do autopilot coupled approaches and sometimes the GS will not capture if intercepting localizer within 2 miles of FAF. Is there a way to request to ATC ahead of time to give a better vector and intercept angle?" - Thomas N.

John:

“Yes, you can simply ask for a longer final or a turn-on outside the Approach Gate.

Approach gateThe Approach Gate is defined as an imaginary point used within ATC as a basis for vectoring aircraft to the final approach course.

The gate will be established along the final approach course 1 nautical mile from the final approach fix on the side away from the airport and will be no closer than 5 miles from the landing threshold.

You can also request a Coupled Approach. This alerts ATC that the approach will be flown with an autopilot. The Glide Slope transmitter will also be protected during a coupled approach.”

(NEW) VFR Mastery scenario #86 “Let’s Not Have an Accident” is now available. Urgent situations come in all shapes and sizes. Of course, the small-sized people on our airplanes can create these in unexpected (and sudden) ways. No problem, there’s an airport nearby. The issue is the two other aircraft in position to land ahead of you—both of whom happen to be gliders. Watch the Intro video.

Get the Pilot’s Tip of the Week

Sign up here to receive tips like this every week along with videos, quizzes and more.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.