TECHNIQUE ANATOMY OF AN APPROACH Making the transition from cruise to landing in instrument conditions ยป By Ian J. Twombly ILLUSTRATION BY CHARLES FLOYD TO BLINDLY FLY in the clouds from a comfortable cruising altitude to just a few hundred feet above the ground can be a surreal experience. The pilot uses a simple radio or satellite signal to guide the aircraft through a series of methodically constructed segments of steps called an instrument approach. The ultimate goal is to be safely guided low enough to get below the clouds to a point at which the runway can be seen and a normal landing can be made. Most approaches can be broken into five distinct segments that flow together seamlessly. 1. THE ARRIVAL. The transition between the en route phase and the instrument approach is the arrival or feeder route. It usually is depicted with a specific course, distance, and altitude, although air traffic control can assign alternatives. 2. THE INITIAL APPROACH. Most approaches begin at the initial approach fix, which also serves as the starting point of the initial approach segment. This segment often is in line with the extended centerline of the runway. 3. THE INTERMEDIATE APPROACH. This crucial part of the approach is when configuration changes are made, such as lowering flaps and gear. It's the final chance for the pilot to slow down and get the airplane fully stabilized before the final descent, which begins at the final approach fix. 42 / FLIGHTTRAINING.AOPA.ORGhttp://FLIGHTTRAINING.AOPA.ORG