thesweetlycool

Alright I have a question regarding "Step-down" fixes and what the proper procedure is. The approach plates refer to the fixes as "____ fix minimums" and I always thought that if you are able to identify that fix, than you can use the minimums for that fix. Here is the first example:

http://204.108.4.16/d-tpp/1011/00521LBC30.PDF

Rovez is the FAF and the S-30 minimums are 700 ft. However, the Meygi minimums are 400, which put it about the same as the rest of the non-precision approaches at this airport. Now the part to which I'm confused... can you descend straight to 400, or must you first descend to 700, identify Meygi, and then continue the decent to 400?? Or is it simply that you have DME/GPS and are able to identify when you're 1.9nm from the airport?


Here is the second example:

http://204.108.4.16/d-tpp/1011/00041VTG31.PDF

In this one, there is no FAF and if flying the full approach you would pretty much descend to the MAP right after establishing yourself after the procedure turn. However, after passing Ddale and being able to identify the fix, you are able to continue down do the "Ddale minimums", which are 1380. In this case, I understand why waiting until this "Final Approach Point" is necessary, since there is no FAF. But what is the correct proceedure on the first? Is it the same??

clipperskipper

On the first plate you can descend to 700 ft, cross MEYGI and descend to 400 ft. Looking in the profile box, fixes are identified using the I-BPT DME.
On the second plate, you would descend to the MDA, (1520) until passing DDALE with GPS or the BATOL 192R, then descend to 1380. In both cases you want to be able to identify and cross each fix prior to descent, this assures you adequate terrain and obstruction clearance.

NoyGonnaDoIt

A step-down fix onthe FAC generally means there is some obstruction prior to the stepdown that will ruin your day.

For example, in this one
http://aeronav.faa.gov/d-tpp/1012/05715N35R.PDF
there is a ridge with powerlines.