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3 Answers

Autopilot Coupled Approaches NA at IAF? FAF?

Asked by: 2573 views FAA Regulations

At what point should the autopilot be disengaged for an approach such as ILS 33  at KBTV that states in the notes Autopilot Coupled Approaches NA? Does it need to be before the IAF? The FAF? 

I know many approaches state NA below a certain altitude but not in this case. 

I assume this refers to the entire approach including the initial and intermediate segments but would be interested to be directed to some published guidance about this if it exists. 

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3 Answers

  1. Best Answer


    John D Collins on Aug 20, 2022

    FAA order 8260.19I describes the IAP charting rules. Section 8-6-11. covers Minimums and subsection o. Landing minimums limitations. Section (7) describes limitations on the final approach segment for an ILS or GLS approaches. See note (d). I read that as only applying to the performance of the GS. Note (7) is quoted below:

    (7) ILS/GLS restrictions. For GLS approaches, pending further evaluation by the FAA, autoland using GBAS is prohibited; use “Chart note: Autopilot coupled approach NA below (Decision Altitude).” Where flight inspection/validation or Aircraft Certification Services establishes a restriction to the ILS/GLS approach, a NOTAM will be issued, and the restriction will be published in the Chart Supplement. Where the restriction affects landing minimums or the MAP, issue an appropriate NOTAM. Publish a note using the same wording as stated in the flight inspection/validation report; e.g., “Chart profile note: ILS unusable inside DA.” No note is required for an unusable LOC back course, or for a LOC lateral coverage restriction with no terminal route through the restricted area.

    (a) If the LOC will not provide adequate course guidance in the area between the MM and runway threshold, use: “Chart profile note: ILS unusable from MM inbound.” Where an MM is not installed, flight inspection/validation authority may provide a NM distance from threshold, or altitude, at which the ILS is not usable.

    (b) When the GS will not provide satisfactory vertical guidance, restrict its use above or below a specific altitude. Use: “Chart profile note: GS unusable below/above (altitude).”
    (c) When GS indications can be received on a LOC back course approach, use “Chart profile note: Disregard GS indications.”

    (d) When the rate of reversal in the GS exceeds the tolerances of Order 8200.1 establish a restriction for autopilot coupled approach 50 feet above the point (MSL) where the out-of-tolerance condition exists. Use: “Chart note: Autopilot coupled approach NA below (altitude specified by Flight Inspection/validation).” Flight inspection/validation may also determine and request that an autopilot coupled approach not be allowed at all. If that is the case, use: “Chart note: Autopilot coupled approach NA.”

    (e) When terrain, obstacles, descent gradient, etc., do not allow the use of a LOC procedure associated with the ILS when the GS is not used, place NA in the visibility column for each LOC category affected. If, in such an instance, another procedure must be used instead, enter the following in the “Notes” section: “Chart planview note: When GS not used, use LOC RWY 26 procedure.”

    (f) When informed that a radar altimeter (RA) height is NA for CAT II operations, document “RA NA” for the RA value to be charted [see paragraph8-6-11.m]. See Order 6750.24 for RVR restrictions.

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  2. kukuis on Aug 20, 2022

    John, Your contribution to this site is amazing so thank you for what you provide here!

    Just one small correction… I believe your reference is not in Section 8-6-10. Additional Flight Data, but rather Section 8-6-11 Minimums… the rest being correct.

    Your answer made me learn quite a bit this morning as I tracked my way through the CFR following your guidance so again thank you.

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  3. John D Collins on Aug 22, 2022

    Kukuis,

    You are correct regarding the section I misquoted, it should be 8-6-11 Minimums. I fixed it in the original post.

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