7 STEPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL IAP

Here’s a 7-STEP structure for a successful instrument approach procedure. These seven steps were drilled into my head during the 35 hours of simulator training prior to starting the actual ME(A)IR course during CPL(A) training.

1) WHAT APPROACH?

Start by asking yourself; “What type of approach is in use?”

• PA (Precision Approach)
• APV (Approach with Vertical Guidance)
• NPA (Non Precision Approach)

Find out which is in use by listening to the ATIS, and/or request on tower frequency if in doubt.

2) SET UP THE APPROACH

Hand over the controls to your co-pilot if necessary in order to focus your attention on setting up the approach. However, do not forget your role as PM (pilot monitoring) as you focus on setting up the approach.

The approach is set up prior to the briefing, since during the briefing we are meant to cross check all pilot inputs to the FMC, MCP, G1000 PFD-MFD are correct.

• Make sure you have the correct approach plates at hand,
• COM/NAV frequencies should be tuned in to active/standby,
• Minimas should be correct value,
• Final approach course set,
• Heading set,
• Altitude set,
• ADF, etc.

3) BRIEF THE APPROACH

Brief the approach with your co-pilot. Remember to always start a briefing with asking the question; “Are you ready for approach briefing?”

Brief by referencing to the approach plate. Ensure both pilots have the same plate. Make eye contact with each other and let the brief flow naturally just like a conversation would.

Ask your co-pilot at the end of the brief if he or she is happy with everything and if there’s anything he or she would like to add.

4) CALL READY

Transmit on tower frequency that you are ready for the approach.

You MUST have brief the approach before you can call ready!

5) RECEIVE APPROACH CLEARANCE

Tower will clear you for a specified approach. Write down notes if necessary and read back the clearance correctly. This is usually not a landing clearance, but a clearance to commence the approach procedure from the IAF (initial approach fix).

6) APPROACH CHECKLIST

Pilot Flying will call out “Approach Checklist!”.

Pilot Monitoring will get the checklist, complete any memory items and together both pilots will carry out each item of the checklist as per challenge and response.

When having completed the checklist, the callout should be “Approach checklist completed!”.

7) FLY THE APPROACH