What is an instrument approach procedure?

• A. A published set of instrument-based maneuvers to land when visibility or ceiling is low
• B. A maintenance procedure
• C. A visual map of landmarks
• D. A schedule of flight times

Answer: (A)

An instrument approach procedure is a published, instrument-guided sequence that brings an aircraft from the en route environment to the runway when weather prevents a normal visual approach. It provides precise navigational guidance, altitude steps, and course information using systems like ILS, VOR, NDB, or RNAV, and it ends with a landing or a published missed approach if the landing cannot be completed. It includes initial, intermediate, and final approach segments and a missed-approach procedure, all designed to ensure obstacle clearance and a safe descent in instrument conditions, with defined minimum weather requirements. It is not a maintenance procedure, not a visual map of landmarks, and not a schedule of flight times.