Microsoft Flight Simulator Handbook

by Jonathan M. Stern

Instrument Approach Procedure Charts

Instrument approach procedure (IAP) charts depict the information necessary to execute instrument approach procedures to airports.

IAPs are frequently amended to reflect changes to the approach procedure, the airport, or the surrounding area. Accordingly, the charts used in this book may not be used for actual navigation. Although, in many cases, they are the actual charts that pilots use, they likely will be outdated by the time the book is in circulation.

Pilots are told of notices to airmen (NOTAMs), which may include changes from the current charts, when they obtain their weather briefing, either in person or over the telephone.

There are three primary types of instrument approach procedures: VOR, NDB, and ILS approaches. These approaches are discussed fully in the chapter entitled "Instrument Approach Procedures." In recent years, new types of approaches have been developed, including Global Positioning System and microwave. These new types of approaches cannot be used on Flight Simulator, and most single-engine airplanes are not currently equipped to utilize them.

Figure 14.2. Department of Commerce NOS approach charts are sold in regional sets, as depicted in this map of the continental United States.

IAP charts are divided into five sections as depicted in Figure 14.3.

Figure 14.3. Instrument approach procedure charts are divided into five sections.

In addition to the chart legends, which are reproduced in Appendix A, each of the various sections is described in the next section.

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