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

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AFMAN 11-217V1 3 JANUARY 2005
you the depicted IAF altitude. If you are not assigned the IAF altitude and cannot make
the descent gradient by starting the penetration from your last assigned altitude, request a
lower altitude.
11.4.5.1. NOTE: For non-DME teardrop approaches, you should not penetrate from
an altitude above the depicted IAF altitude. If maneuvering, such as a holding
pattern, is necessary to lose excess altitude, obtain clearance to do so. Remember that
you must be able to comply with subsequent mandatory and maximum altitudes.
11.5. Low Altitude Procedures.
11.5.1. Terminal routings. Terminal routings from en route or feeder facilities are
considered segments of the IAP and normally provide a course, range, and minimum
altitude to the IAF. They may take the aircraft to a point other than the IAF if it is
operationally advantageous to do so. If you use other than a published routing, do not
exceed the operational limitations of the selected NAVAIDs. A low altitude IAF is any
fix labeled as an IAF or any procedure turn/holding-in-lieu-of a procedure turn fix.
11.5.2. Ranges and Altitudes. Ranges published along the terminal routing are expressed
in nautical miles (not DME). The altitudes published on terminal routing are minimum
altitudes and provide the same protection as an airway MEA.
11.5.3. Before the IAF. Before reaching the IAF, review the IAP chart, recheck the
weather (if appropriate), check the heading and attitude systems, and obtain clearance
for the approach. If holding is not required, reduce to maneuvering airspeed before
reaching the IAF. Accomplish the descent check in accordance with the aircraft flight
manual.
11.5.4. Enroute Approach Clearance. If cleared for an approach while en route to a
holding fix that is not collocated with the IAF, either proceed via the holding fix or
request clearance direct to the IAF (Figure 11.2). If the IAF is located along the route
of flight to the holding fix, begin the approach at the IAF. If you overfly a transition
fix, fly the approach via the terminal routing. If in doubt as to the clearance, query the
controller.
11.5.5. Altitude. When cleared for the approach, maintain the last assigned altitude
until established on a segment of a published route or IAP. At that time, the pilot may
descend to the minimum altitude associated with that segment of the published routing or
instrument approach procedure.
11.5.6. Approach Clearance. When clearance for the approach is issued, ATC expects
an immediate turn in the shortest direction to intercept the procedural course upon
reaching the IAF. Clearance for the approach does not include clearance for the holding
airspace. However, if established in holding and cleared for the approach, complete the
holding pattern to the IAF unless an early turn is approved by ATC. If your heading is
within 90° of the procedural course, you may use normal lead points to intercept the
course. If your heading is not within 90° of the procedural course, you may need to
maneuver the aircraft for a more favorable alignment prior to starting the approach. If
maneuvering (other than an immediate turn at the IAF to intercept the procedural course)
is desired, obtain clearance from ATC since clearance for the approach does not include
clearance for use of holding or maneuvering airspace.