Search
Notices
Technical Technical aspects of flying

DME Arc Approach

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 04-27-2010, 07:01 PM
  #1  
On Reserve
Thread Starter
 
Joined APC: Jun 2007
Posts: 16
Default DME Arc Approach

I always hear two sides to the DME arc approach. One is that the DME arc approach must begin at the IAF (where the airway or radial meets the arc). Second is that the the entire arc itself is the IAF and you can essentially pick up the arc anywhere. Any thoughts or references on which is correct?
ajarnold is offline  
Old 04-27-2010, 07:10 PM
  #2  
Gets Weekends Off
 
USMCFLYR's Avatar
 
Joined APC: Mar 2008
Position: FAA 'Flight Check'
Posts: 13,837
Default

I don't have the books in front of me right now - but I think the technical answer is that the approach still starts at the IAF; but I have asked and been allowed to join the arc at another point besides the actual IAF before - in training.

I know APC - someone will soon post the exact right answer and with the reference and probably even a link here soon

USMCFLYR
USMCFLYR is offline  
Old 04-27-2010, 07:49 PM
  #3  
Gets Weekends Off
 
Joined APC: Jul 2006
Position: XJT CA
Posts: 528
Default

I can't answer with a reference but as far as I know, you have to join at an IAF. Many arcs are there for a reason, i.e. terrain. Think if you just randomly joined an arc previous to the published point and ran in a big rock.

I could be wrong, though.
Bloodhound is offline  
Old 04-27-2010, 08:00 PM
  #4  
Gets Weekends Off
 
Slice's Avatar
 
Joined APC: Jan 2006
Position: Spartan
Posts: 3,652
Default

Originally Posted by Bloodhound View Post
I can't answer with a reference but as far as I know, you have to join at an IAF. Many arcs are there for a reason, i.e. terrain. Think if you just randomly joined an arc previous to the published point and ran in a big rock.

I could be wrong, though.
If you joined previous to the published arc, you're not on the approach. If you follow the min altitudes, you should be safe anywhere between the IAF and FAF. You could easily come in at or above the MSA and descend on a published portion of the approach if you had the distance to do so.
Slice is offline  
Old 04-27-2010, 08:30 PM
  #5  
Gets Weekends Off
 
Joined APC: Nov 2008
Posts: 826
Default

It's like most other approaches. Non-radar it must start at an IAF. But ATC can radar vector you to intercept at any point along the way
Here's the FAA Legal opinion that talks about the non-radar environment

http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/...ARC%20IAFs.pdf

There isn't one that specifically talks about radar.
NoyGonnaDoIt is offline  
Old 04-27-2010, 09:05 PM
  #6  
Prime Minister/Moderator
 
rickair7777's Avatar
 
Joined APC: Jan 2006
Position: Engines Turn Or People Swim
Posts: 39,293
Default

No, you cannot join (or you will not be cleared to join) on the arc outside an IAF unless there is a published transition there.

You can join the arc inside the IAF...only make sense,if you can join at the IAF and then fly over the arc at X altitude you should be able to join the arc at X altitude inside the IAF. Just make sure you have enough distance to make the turn to final and descend...those are the usual challenges.
rickair7777 is offline  
Old 04-28-2010, 01:29 AM
  #7  
Gets Weekends Off
 
ce650's Avatar
 
Joined APC: Jun 2007
Position: EVIL PRIVATE JET
Posts: 529
Default

You can be radar vectored to join but it will be inside the IAF. My previous job we were vectored to just outside the lead in radial all the time at our home airport.
ce650 is offline  
Old 04-28-2010, 04:11 AM
  #8  
Gets Weekends Off
 
Joined APC: Nov 2008
Posts: 826
Default

Hadn't noticed that someone was talking about joining and arc where there was no arc ("outside" the IAF). No, you can't do that.
NoyGonnaDoIt is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
JETUPANDGO
Technical
13
02-16-2010 06:58 AM
tortue
Major
7
05-24-2009 09:06 AM
caboarder2001
Aviation Law
28
03-30-2009 03:13 PM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On



Your Privacy Choices