IR.VI.B — Precision Approach

Objective: To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with performing precision approach procedures solely by reference to instruments.

Knowledge

The applicant demonstrates understanding of:

• IR.VI.B.K1Procedures and limitations associated with a precision approach, including determining required descent rates and adjusting minimums in the case of inoperative equipment.
• IR.VI.B.K2Navigation system displays, annunciations, and modes of operation.
• IR.VI.B.K3Ground-based and satellite-based navigation (orientation, course determination, equipment, tests and regulations, interference, appropriate use of navigation data, signal integrity)
• IR.VI.B.K4A stabilized approach, to include energy management concepts

Risk Management

The applicant demonstrates the ability to identify, assess and mitigate risks, encompassing:

• IR.VI.B.R1Failure to follow the correct approach procedure (e.g. descending below the glideslope, etc.).
• IR.VI.B.R2Selecting an incorrect navigation frequency.
• IR.VI.B.R3Failure to manage automated navigation and autoflight systems.
• IR.VI.B.R4Failure to ensure proper airplane configuration during an approach and missed approach.
• IR.VI.B.R5An unstable approach including excessive descent rates.
• IR.VI.B.R6Deteriorating weather conditions on approach.
• IR.VI.B.R7Continuing to descend below the Decision Altitude (DA)/Decision Height (DH) when the required visual references are not visible.

Skills

The applicant demonstrates the ability to:

• IR.VI.B.S1Accomplish the precision instrument approach(es) selected by the evaluator.
• IR.VI.B.S2Establish two-way communications with ATC appropriate for the phase of flight or approach segment, and use proper communication phraseology.
• IR.VI.B.S3Select, tune, identify, and confirm the operational status of navigation equipment to be used for the approach.
• IR.VI.B.S4Comply with all clearances issued by ATC or the evaluator.
• IR.VI.B.S5Recognize if any flight instrumentation is inaccurate or inoperative, and take appropriate action.
• IR.VI.B.S6Advise ATC or the evaluator if unable to comply with a clearance.
• IR.VI.B.S7Complete the appropriate checklist.
• IR.VI.B.S8Establish the appropriate airplane configuration and airspeed considering turbulence and windshear.
• IR.VI.B.S9Maintain altitude ±100 feet, selected heading ±10°, airspeed ±10 knots, and accurately track radials, courses, and bearings, prior to beginning the final approach segment.
• IR.VI.B.S10Adjust the published DA/DH and visibility criteria for the aircraft approach category, as appropriate, to account for NOTAMs, Inoperative airplane or navigation equipment, or inoperative visual aids associated with the landing environment.
• IR.VI.B.S11Establish a predetermined rate of descent at the point where vertical guidance begins, which approximates that required for the airplane to follow the vertical guidance.
• IR.VI.B.S12Maintain a stabilized final approach from the Final Approach Fix (FAF) to DA/DH allowing no more than ¾-scale deflection of either the vertical or lateral guidance indications and maintain the desired airspeed ±10 knots.
• IR.VI.B.S13Immediately initiate the missed approach procedure when at the DA/DH, and the required visual references for the runway are not unmistakably visible and identifiable.
• IR.VI.B.S14Transition to a normal landing approach (missed approach for seaplanes) only when the airplane is in a position from which a descent to a landing on the runway can be made at a normal rate of descent using normal maneuvering.
• IR.VI.B.S15Maintain a stabilized visual flight path from the DA/DH to the runway aiming point where a normal landing may be accomplished within the touchdown zone.
• IR.VI.B.S16Use an MFD and other graphical navigation displays, if installed, to monitor position, track wind drift, and to maintain situational awareness.