Flight Training Instruction - Cnatra - U.S. Navy

1100. INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER ELEVEN
TRANSITION TO LANDING
AND MISSED APPROACH
The transition to the visual segment on an instrument approach begins once the field is in sight,
and you are in a safe position to land.
1101. STRAIGHT IN APPROACHES
On PAR, ASR, ILS or Localizer approach, the aircraft should be very close to being lined up on
centerline when you gain visual reference to the runway environment. The transition, in this
case, should be relatively simple. All that is normally required is an airspeed reduction, while
continuing the descent from the DH/MDA to intercept a normal visual glidepath. If not depicted
on the approach, a VDP should be calculated. Even if the runway is in sight, you should remain
at the MDA until reaching the VDP, then make a normal descent to the runway.
On some VOR and GPS Straight–in approaches, the final approach course may be as much as
30º off runway heading. In this case, it will be necessary to continue on the final approach
course until you can make a turn to line up on centerline.
Some Non–precision approaches have MDAs of 800’ or higher. At typical approach airspeeds in
the T–6B (120 KIAS), this could require descent rates in excess of 1600 FPM if you do not
break out prior to the MAP. Typically, if you gain sight of the runway at the MAP itself, a safe
landing may not be possible. Remember, just because the runway environment is in sight at the
MAP, does NOT mean a safe landing can be made.
1102. CIRCLING MANEUVERS
Description. Prior to commencing an approach that will end in a circling maneuver, a plan
should be formulated on how the circle will take place. Consider the following:
1. Winds: Will they push the aircraft towards or away from the runway?
2. Runway alignment with respect to the approach being flown.
3. Airport environment: mountains, trees, towers, etc.
TRANSITION TO LANDING AND MISSED APPROACH 11-1