BY ORDER OF THE SECRETARY OF THE AIR FORCE AIR FORCE ...

AFMAN 11-217V1 3 JANUARY 2005 179
Table 8.4. Maximum Descent Angle for RNP and WAAS Approaches.
Aircraft Category
CAT A (less 80 kts)
CAT A 81-90 kts
CAT B
CAT C
CAT D and E
Maximum Descent Angle
6.4 Degrees
5.7 Degrees
4.2 Degrees
3.6 Degrees
3.1 Degrees
8.5.7.2. Threshold Crossing Height (TCH). The concept of TCH is the same as in
conventional IAPs. On RNAV (GPS) IAPs, TCH refers to the point where the
descent angle crosses above the threshold. Unless required by larger type aircraft, the
typical TCH will be 30-50 feet.
8.5.7.3. VDP. The VDP on an RNAV (GPS) IAP only pertains to aircraft using
LNAV minimums (not LNAV/VNAV or LPV). The VDP will be accompanied by
the notation “*LNAV only.”
8.5.7.4. Missed Approach Symbology. In addition to a textual description of the
missed approach procedure in the “pilot briefing” at the top of the IAP, missed
approach instructions will be graphically depicted in the profile view. Up to four
icons will be shown. These icons are intended only for quick reference and may not
depict the full missed approach procedure.
8.5.7.5. Waypoints. Two types of waypoints appear in RNAV procedures – “flyover”
and “fly-by” waypoints. “Fly-by” waypoints will be depicted using the
standard WP symbol. Turn anticipation is allowed for fly-by waypoints. Fly-over
waypoints are indicated by the standard waypoint symbol enclosed in a circle. For a
fly-over WP, turn anticipation is not allowed. No turn may be accomplished until the
aircraft passes over the waypoint. Note: A "Fly By" vertical waypoint is a WP for
which an aircraft may initiate a vertical rate change and depart the specified vertical
path to the active WP prior to reaching that WP, in order to asymptotically capture the
next vertical path. A "Fly Over" vertical waypoint is a WP for which an aircraft must
stay on the defined vertical path until passing the active WP, and may not initiate the
necessary vertical rate change to capture the next vertical path until after passing the
active WP. Hence, after passing the active WP, as the next WP becomes active, and
if there is a vertical path change, then the aircraft must re-adjust vertical rate to recapture
the vertical path after having already overshot the first opportunity for an
asymptotic capture of that new path.
8.5.7.6. Approach waypoints, except for the MAWP and the missed approach
holding waypoint (MAHWP), are normally fly-by waypoints. Overlay approach
charts and some early stand alone GPS approach charts may not reflect this
convention.
8.5.7.7. Pilots may see terminal 5 letter waypoints outside the U.S. The first 2 letters
are airport ID, third letter is cardinal direction from airfield and the fourth/fifth
positions are sequential numbers. Approach waypoints may use 4 or 5 alphanumeric
characters, where first 3 characters represent runway designation (e.g., 24L, where
C/L/R is optional), the fourth character is G for waypoint-type code and last digit is