This story was made in partnership with Garmin. Try Garmin Pilot's all-new SmartCharts today.

"Cleared Straight-In"

You're approaching Eugene on an IFR flight from the south, and ATC tells you: "N216BD, proceed direct UJOKU, cross UJOKU at or above 4,000 feet, cleared straight-in RNAV Y RWY 34L approach."

So what exactly does "cleared straight-in" mean?

"Straight-In" Means No Procedure Turn

When ATC clears you "straight-in," they're instructing you to skip the hold-in-lieu of procedure turn, fly over the fix, and continue inbound on the approach. So in this example, you would cross UJOKU at or above 4,000' MSL and proceed inbound to ICACA on the intermediate segment of the approach.

Guidance From The AIM

The AIM explains straight-in approach clearances in paragraphs 5-4-6 (e)(4) and 5-4-6 (e)(6).

AIM 5-4-6 (e)(4): If proceeding to an IAF with a published course reversal (procedure turn or hold-in-lieu of PT pattern), except when cleared for a straight in approach by ATC, the pilot must execute the procedure turn/hold-in-lieu of PT, and complete the approach.

AIM 5-4-6 (e)(6): ...ATC must issue a straight-in approach clearance when clearing an aircraft direct to an IAF/IF with a procedure turn or hold-in-lieu of a procedure turn, and ATC does not want the aircraft to execute the course reversal.

Procedure Turns Are Never An Option

As a pilot, you never have an option of flying a procedure turn. You're either required to fly it, or prohibited from flying it. In this example, when you're cleared to UJOKU, if you haven't heard the words "cleared straight-in", you would be required to fly the HILPT.

Conversely, if ATC clears you "straight-in", you are prohibited from flying the HILPT.

Do You Have Enough Room To Descend?

One of the main operational concerns you'll have if you're cleared straight-in is: do you have enough room to descend and meet the next altitude requirements on the approach?

If you don't, or if you're unsure, tell ATC before you accept your approach clearance that you'll need a turn (or possibly more) in the HILPT to descend and prepare for the next segment of the approach.

Clarifying With ATC

If you're ever confused whether or not you should fly the HILPT, simply clarify with ATC. Before you accept your approach clearance, ask them if you're cleared straight-in, or if they need you to fly the HILPT.

A few seconds of communication can quickly clear up ATC's intentions.

Make approach charts easier. Try Garmin Pilot's new SmartCharts today.