Types of Approaches for Instrument Cross Country

3 Answers

1. 
   

   
   

   Bryan on Jun 02, 2022

   Look at 1-1-1 of that order:

   “This order prescribes standardized methods for designing and evaluating IFPs prescribed under Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) Part 95 and Part 97. It also contains design guidance related to other IFPs and Air Traffic Control (ATC) charts not specified under Parts 95 or 97. It is to be used by all personnel responsible for the preparation, approval, and promulgation of IFPs. The criteria contained within this order are predicated on normal aircraft operations and performance. This order contains guidance that is pertinent to 14 CFR Part 97.”

   If you aren’t responsible for preparing, approving, or promulgating instrument flight procedures–that is, actually designing the procedure–then this order doesn’t apply to you.

   The document has nothing to do with instrument XC requirements under 61.65(d) which requires “three different kinds of approaches” (not types). Any combination of three different valid, published instrument approach procedures would satisfy 61.65(d).

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2. 
   

   
   

   Jeff Baum on Jun 02, 2022

   I think what you’re looking for is the Carty-AFX-1 FAA General Counsel Interpretation dated 02/28/2022. Below is the relevant paragraph…

   “The FAA finds that PAR should be considered an acceptable navigation system under
   61.65(d)(2)(ii)(C) because 1.1 defines a precision approach procedure, which is a type of
   instrument approach, as including the use of PAR. As a result, the FAA is rescinding both
   the Glaser and Pratte interpretations. Furthermore, because the regulations do not define
   “navigation systems,” Flight Standards Service (AFS) is in the best position to issue policy
   and guidance on what “navigation systems” mean and which ones may be used under
   61.65(d)(2)(ii)(C). Therefore, AFS should determine whether ASR should be part of a
   nonprecision instrument approach under 1.1, and whether the use of ASR is considered a navigation system under 61.65(d)(2)(ii)(C).”

   May a PAR approach be used? Yes. May an ASR approach be used? Not yet determined.

   What IAPs are acceptable?
   Precision IAP = ILS, RNAV LPV with a DA of 300′ or less, PAR (if you can find one).
   Non-Precision IAP = LOC Only, VOR, VOR/DME, RNAV to LNAV, LNAV/VNAV or LPV with DA greater than 300′.
   It’s all spelled out in the Instrument ACS Appendix 7.

   From a message to DPEs from the FAA;
   “The ACS directs the evaluator to test an applicant on three different kinds of approaches, consisting of one precision approach and two non-precision approaches, which must use two different kinds of navigational aids. The ACS provides acceptable examples of those instrument approaches which may be used during the practical test for the precision and non-precision instrument-approach testing requirements. Therefore for an example, conducting three GPS approaches during an instrument rating practical test would not meet FAA-testing requirements.”

   This can get a bit interesting finding appropriate IAPs in rural Wyoming and Montana where most airport only have GPS/RNAV approaches!

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3. 
   

   
   

   John D Collins on Jun 04, 2022

   This seems to only apply to the cross country requirement 61.65(d)(2)(ii)(C) to add PAR as an acceptable navigation system. It defers to AFS to determine if an ASR procedure should also be added, but I don’t know if they have done so as of yet. So all this General Counsel Opinion does is add PAR as an approach type that satisfies the regulation for the cross country experience.

   Regardless, the ACS has its own standard for what tasks must be demonstrated on the practical test, and is not really affected by this FAA General Counsel Opinion with respect to meeting the NPA task requirements. The ACS still requires two non precision approaches using “two different types of navigational aids.” Approaches using “RNAV (RNP) or RNAV (GPS) to LNAV, LNAV/VNAV or LPV line of minima as long as the LPV DA is greater than 300 feet HAT” are considered one type of navigational aid to met the NPA task, so you must be able to demonstrate an approach also using at least a “VOR, VOR/DME, or LOC procedures on an ILS, LDA” as a second choice if you use GPS as one of the choices. The ACS does not have to agree with the experience requirements in 61.65.

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