FAA Military Competency Practice Exam

When is a pilot performing a published instrument approach not authorized to perform a procedure turn?

1. When following a standard trajectory

2. Receiving a radar vector to a final approach course or fix

3. When visibility conditions are low

4. When advised by ATC

The correct answer is: Receiving a radar vector to a final approach course or fix

A pilot performing a published instrument approach is not authorized to perform a procedure turn when receiving a radar vector to a final approach course or fix. This is because, when ATC provides radar vectors, they are guiding the aircraft directly to the final approach segment, negating the need for the pilot to execute a procedure turn, which is a maneuver designed to return the aircraft to the appropriate alignment with the final approach course. The intention of the radar vector is to simplify the approach, which would be counterproductive if the pilot were to attempt a procedure turn, as it may lead to unnecessary maneuvers and increased complexity. In contrast, following a standard trajectory, low visibility conditions, or ATC advisories may not inherently restrict the ability to perform a procedure turn. For example, in low visibility, pilots must still adhere to the approach procedures but can still be permitted to execute a procedure turn if the approach procedure allows for it. Similarly, when advised by ATC, it depends on the specific instructions given; ATC could either authorize or prevent a procedure turn based on operational considerations at the time.