ATPL Instrument Flight Rules and Approaches

Question 1

Decision Altitude (DA) differs from Decision Height (DH) in that:

Accepted Answer

DA is referenced to mean sea level while DH is referenced to threshold elevation

Answer

Decision Altitude is referenced to mean sea level (MSL) while Decision Height is referenced to the height above the runway threshold — both mark the point where a missed approach must be initiated if visual contact is not established.

Question 2

The ILS glide slope nominal descent angle is:

Accepted Answer

3.0°

Answer

The standard ILS glide slope angle is 3.0°, providing a normal descent gradient for most aircraft during the final approach segment.

Question 3

Minimum Descent Altitude (MDA) is used on which type of approaches?

Accepted Answer

Non-precision approaches (VOR, NDB, LNAV)

Answer

MDA is used on non-precision approaches where vertical guidance is not provided — the pilot descends to the MDA and flies level until the runway environment is in sight or the missed approach point is reached.

Question 4

What does 'LNAV/VNAV' on an RNAV approach chart indicate?

Accepted Answer

Lateral navigation with vertical guidance using barometric altitude — a precision-like approach

Answer

LNAV/VNAV is an RNAV approach type using lateral GPS guidance and barometric vertical navigation, providing a DA rather than MDA for a precision-like approach without the full accuracy of LPV.

Question 5

Required Navigation Performance (RNP) AR approach procedures require:

Accepted Answer

Advanced FMS with on-board monitoring and alerting capability meeting specific RNP values

Answer

RNP AR (Authorization Required) procedures require a navigation system capable of monitoring its own accuracy and alerting the crew if performance degrades below required levels, enabling curved approaches and very low minimums.

ATPL - Airline Transport Pilot License Practice Test

ATPL - Airline Transport Pilot License Practice Test

ATPL Instrument Flight Rules and Approaches