What altitude should you hold at before commencing the procedure turn at the IAF?

What altitude should you hold at before commencing the procedure turn at the IAF?

• A. Keep cruising at 13,000 feet
• B. Descend to 12,000 feet
• C. Descend to 11,000 feet
• D. Maintain current altitude until cleared

Answer: (C)

In an instrument approach, the recommended altitude to hold before commencing a procedure turn at the Initial Approach Fix (IAF) is established by the approach procedure itself, particularly to ensure safe terrain clearance and compliance with the Standard Terminal Arrival Route (STAR) or the designated approach chart for the specific procedure. For the chosen answer, descending to 11,000 feet would typically be in alignment with the required altitudes specified in the approach segment, allowing for a safe and compliant entry into the procedure while ensuring adequate terrain separation. This altitude is often established to enable the aircraft to maneuver safely within the confines of the procedure and achieve the minimums required for the turn. Other options may suggest either maintaining a higher altitude than necessary for the procedure turn or descending to an altitude that could potentially lead to terrain conflicts or failure to comply with the approach chart requirements. Thus, descending to 11,000 feet before commencing the procedure turn ensures adherence to safe operation within the designed airspace for the approach.

In an instrument approach, the recommended altitude to hold before commencing a procedure turn at the Initial Approach Fix (IAF) is established by the approach procedure itself, particularly to ensure safe terrain clearance and compliance with the Standard Terminal Arrival Route (STAR) or the designated approach chart for the specific procedure.

For the chosen answer, descending to 11,000 feet would typically be in alignment with the required altitudes specified in the approach segment, allowing for a safe and compliant entry into the procedure while ensuring adequate terrain separation. This altitude is often established to enable the aircraft to maneuver safely within the confines of the procedure and achieve the minimums required for the turn.

Other options may suggest either maintaining a higher altitude than necessary for the procedure turn or descending to an altitude that could potentially lead to terrain conflicts or failure to comply with the approach chart requirements. Thus, descending to 11,000 feet before commencing the procedure turn ensures adherence to safe operation within the designed airspace for the approach.