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Inoperative Components Table

Asked by: 10674 views Instrument Rating

What is the definition of component in the context of this table? The wording seems to imply that this is part of the aircraft system or at least something other than a visual aid. The text that precedes the table would seem to bear this out:...


The landing minimums published on IAP charts are based on full operation of all components and visual aids associated with the instrument approach chart being used. Higher minimums are required with inoperative components or visual aids. For example, if the ALSF-1 approach lighting system were inoperative, the visibility minimums for an ILS would need to be increased by one-quarter mile. If more than one component is inoperative, each minimum is raised to the highest minimum required by any single component that is inoperative. ILS glideslope inoperative minimums are published on instrument approach charts as localizer minimums. Consult the “Inoperative Components or Visual Aids Table” (printed on the inside front cover of each TPP) for a complete description of the effect of inoperative components on approach minimums.

to wit...

"The landing minimums published on IAP charts are based on full operation of all components and visual aids..."

It seems that the only things listed are visual aids. Is there some component information missing? Indeed, previous ASA written test questions have referred to this table when talking about an inoperative marker beacon receiver. In other words where/what are the components to which the wording in the explanation paragraph refer?

R
Mike

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1 Answers



  1. Eric H on Nov 29, 2016

    So the definition of component in this context has to do with ground based components as well as other components of the instrument approach. All approach minimums are built on the theory that all of the components on the ground as well as the airplane are working properly. When you receive a NOTAM that says the ALSF 1 is inoperative and you are flying an ILS, that tells you as an instrument pilot that you need to check the inop component table and see if it changes your approach minimums (in this case the visibility is increased 1/4 of a mile).

    The thing to remember with this table is that it compliments FAR 91.175c(3). When you look at that FAR it tells us what we need to be able to legally see so that we can land. If you use 91.175c(3) as the foundation, and then look at the inop component table, you will see that they compliment one another. If the approach lighting is inop (let’s say the MALSR for an ILS that has a 200 and 1/2 minimum) , then the FAA is requiring you to have a new visibility minimum of 3/4 of mile. This then gives you a good chance of actually being able to see the runway or runway environment (ref 91.175c(4)) to allow you to continue your descent to land.

    Whenever you are asked a question on something that has to do with an inop instrument landing component, this is the first place to look. If you are asked about a marker beacon being inop, it does not impact the visibility requirements for the approach.

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