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Flight Test Items - 8. Approaches

The candidate will perform two (2) instrument approaches. Except where limited by aeroplane equipment or lack of approach facilities, these approaches will be done on different types of facilities. On an initial Instrument Rating flight test, a precision approach with vertical guidance (ILS or LPV) is mandatory. One approach will be demonstrated with a simulated failed engine for Groups 1 and 2 instrument rating qualifications.

Approaches may be flown with vectors from ATC, where available, or by flying a full-procedure approach. If the aeroplane has an approved GPS installation, one of the approaches should be an RNAV(GNSS) approach.

When aerodrome temperatures are 0ºC or colder, altitude corrections will be applied to all minimum altitudes depicted on the approach chart used. In spite of the fact that the CAP – General Pages state “should add”, flight test candidates “will add” the altitude correction values.

The candidate is allowed only one (1) second attempt for Item 8 - Approaches. Where a major deviation has occurred during the approach but safety has not been compromised, the candidate may initiate a missed approach for one additional attempt at the approach.

Where safety has been compromised or unacceptable performance has been demonstrated, including but not limited to, descent below a published minimum descent altitude due to pilot error or poor technique, the approach will be evaluated as a “1” despite the initiation of a missed approach by the candidate.

8. VOR, LOC, LOC/BC or NDB Instrument Approach

Aim

To determine the candidate’s ability to safely fly a successful VOR, LOC, LOC/BC or NDB approach.

Description

After transitioning to the approach facility or after receiving vectors from ATC, the candidate will fly the approach depicted on the approach chart to the missed approach point or to a landing. The candidate will control the aeroplane solely with reference to flight instruments. The candidate will make clear to the examiner whether the intent is to fly a straight-in or a circling approach to landing.

Performance Criteria

Assessment will be based on the candidate’s ability to:

  1. establish two-way communications with ATC using the proper communications phraseology and techniques, as required for the phase of flight or approach segment;
       
  2. comply, in a timely manner, with all clearances, instructions and procedures issued by ATC and advise accordingly if unable to comply;
       
  3. select and comply with the VOR, LOC, LOC/BC or NDB instrument approach procedure to be performed;
       
  4. select, tune, identify, confirm and monitor the operational status of ground and aeroplane navigation equipment to be used for the approach procedure;
       
  5. establish the appropriate aeroplane configuration and airspeed considering turbulence, wind shear, microburst conditions or other meteorological and operating conditions;
       
  6. complete the aircraft check list items appropriate to the phase of flight or approach segment, including engine-out approach and landing checklist, as appropriate;
       
  7. apply necessary adjustment to the published Minimum Descent Altitude (MDA) and visibility criteria for the aircraft approach category when required, because of NOTAMS, inoperative aeroplane and/or ground navigation equipment or inoperative visual aids associated with the landing environment;
       
  8. prior to final approach course, maintain altitudes, as cleared or as declared, (±100 feet) and maintain headings (±10 degrees);
       
  9. on the intermediate and final segments of the final approach course:
       
    1. maintain VOR, LOC, LOC/BC tracking within ½-scale deflection of the course deviation indicator or within 5 degrees of the specified track, in the case of an NDB approach;
         
    2. fly the approach in a relatively stable manner without descending below the applicable minimum altitudes depicted on the approach chart (+as required/ –0 feet);
         
    3. descend to and accurately maintain the Minimum Descent Altitude (MDA) and track to the Missed Approach Point (MAP) or to the recommended minimum visibility that would permit safe completion of the visual portion of the approach with a normal rate of descent and minimal manoeuvring.
         
  10. maintain declared approach airspeeds (+10/-5 knots);
       
  11. initiate the missed approach procedure, if the required visual references for the intended runway are not obtained at the MAP; or
       
  12. execute a normal landing from a straight-in or circling approach as required.

8. ILS or LPV Instrument Approach (Precision Approach)

Aim

To determine the candidate’s ability to safely fly a successful ILS or LPV precision approach.

Description

After transitioning to the approach facility or after receiving vectors from ATC, the candidate will intercept the localizer and glideslope and descend to the decision height (DH) or decision altitude (DA) as specified on the approach chart. The candidate will control the aeroplane solely with reference to flight instruments. The candidate will make clear to the examiner whether the intent is to fly a straight-in or a circling approach to landing.

Performance Criteria

Assessment will be based on the candidate’s ability to:

  1. establish two-way communications with ATC using the proper communications phraseology and techniques, as required for the phase of flight or approach segment;
       
  2. comply in a timely manner, with all clearances, instructions, and procedures issued by ATC and advise accordingly if unable to comply;
       
  3. select and comply with the ILS or LPV instrument approach procedure to be performed;
       
  4. select, tune, identify and confirm the operational status of ground and aeroplane navigation equipment to be used for the approach procedure, including a RAIM check prior to an LPV approach;
       
  5. establish the appropriate aeroplane configuration and airspeed considering turbulence, wind shear, microburst conditions, or other meteorological and operating conditions;
       
  6. complete the check list items appropriate to the phase of flight or approach segment, including engine out approach and landing checklist, as appropriate;
       
  7. apply necessary adjustment to the published DH or DA and visibility criteria for the aeroplane approach category when required, because of NOTAMS, inoperative aeroplane and/or ground navigation equipment or inoperative visual aids associated with the landing environment;
       
  8. prior to final approach course, maintain altitudes, as cleared or as declared, (±100 feet) and maintain headings (±10 degrees);
       
  9. on final approach course, allow no more than ½-scale deflection of the localizer or glideslope indications;
       
  10. during an LPV approach, confirm approach-active mode within 2 nm prior to reaching the Final Approach Waypoint (FAWP) inbound on the final approach course;
       
  11. during an LPV approach, take appropriate action in the event that a RAIM alert is displayed when the aircraft is established on the final approach course;
       
  12. maintain declared approach airspeeds within +10/-5 knots;
       
  13. maintain a stabilized descent to the DH/DA to permit completion of the visual portion of the approach and landing with minimal manoeuvring; and
       
  14. initiate the missed approach procedure, upon reaching the DH/DA, when the required visual references for the intended runway are not obtained; or
       
  15. execute a transition to a landing.

Note 1:  LPV means Localizer Performance with Vertical Guidance for RNAV(GNSS) approaches with LPV minima. The aircraft must be equipped with avionics meeting TSO C145a/C146a (WAAS Class 2 or 3). Refer to: AIM - COM 3.16.5.2.3.

Note 2:  LPV approaches will be indicated on the flight test report by filling the ILS circle and inserting a note in the Remarks section of the report.

8. RNAV (GNSS) Instrument Approach

Aim

To determine the candidate’s ability to safely fly a successful RNAV (GNSS) approach.

Description

The candidate will fly the approach tracks depicted on the approach chart and fly the approach to the MAWP or to a landing. The candidate will control the aeroplane solely with reference to flight instruments. The candidate will make clear to the examiner whether the intent is to fly a straight-in or a circling approach to landing.

Performance Criteria

Assessment will be based on the candidate’s ability to:

  1. establish two-way communications with ATC using the proper communications phraseology and techniques, as required for the phase of flight or approach segment;
       
  2. comply in a timely manner, with all clearances, instructions, and procedures issued by ATC and advise accordingly if unable to comply;
       
  3. conduct a RAIM check prior to the approach;
       
  4. select and comply with the RNAV instrument approach procedure to be performed;
       
  5. retrieve the RNAV approach from the database and verify the approach waypoints used for the approach procedure;
       
  6. establish the appropriate aeroplane configuration and airspeed considering turbulence, wind shear, microburst conditions or other meteorological and operating conditions;
       
  7. complete the check list items appropriate to the phase of flight or approach segment, including engine-out approach and landing checklist, when applicable;
       
  8. apply necessary adjustment to the published Minimum Descent Altitude (MDA) and visibility criteria for the aeroplane approach category when required, because of NOTAMS, inoperative aircraft equipment and/or inoperative visual aids associated with the landing environment;
       
  9. prior to final approach course, maintain altitudes, as cleared or as declared, (±100 feet) and maintain headings (±10 degrees);
       
  10. take appropriate action in the event that a RAIM alert is displayed when the aircraft is established on the final approach course;
       
  11. on the intermediate and final segments of the final approach course:
       
    1. maintain GPS track bar within ½ scale deflection;
         
    2. fly the approach in a relatively stable manner without descending below the applicable minimum altitudes depicted on the approach chart (+as required/ –0 feet);
         
    3. confirm approach active mode within 2 nm prior to reaching the Final Approach Waypoint (FAWP) inbound;
         
    4. descend to and accurately maintain the Minimum Descent Altitude (MDA) and track to the Missed Approach Waypoint (MAWP) or to the recommended minimum visibility that would permit safe completion of the visual portion of the approach with a normal rate of descent and minimal manoeuvring.
         
  12. maintain the declared approach airspeeds within +10/-5 knots;
       
  13. initiate the missed approach procedure when the required visual references for the intended runway are not obtained at the MAWP; or
       
  14. execute a normal landing from a straight-in or circling approach as required.
Date modified:
2011-02-25