Pilot's tip of the week

Vectors To Final Approach

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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) IFR Mastery scenario #187 “Get Me Out of Muhlenberg County” is now available. A batch of convective rain blocks the next leg of your trip. Do you try to skirt around the front of it where the weather is best, the back of it where the terrain is lowest, or wait for it to pass hoping the sizable gaps don’t shrink into mere suckerholes? Watch the Intro video.

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