One of the highest workload times for an instrument pilot is shooting an approach. So that’s the perfect time to add in complex radio calls! OK, maybe not. But it is a fact. So it pays to be very comfortable with approach clearances and readbacks.
Here are a few example radio exchanges for instrument approach clearances. Like most radio calls, approach clearances follow a pattern that will eventually become second nature. The FAA has suggested shorthand, for writing down clearances although anything that works for you is fine.
You can find initial IFR clearance examples here.
ILS Approach Clearance To A Towered Field
Omaha Approach: Skyhawk 459JT. 5 miles from BUFFT. Turn left heading 170. Maintain 3000 until established on the localizer. Cleared ILS runway 14L approach.
459JT: Left 170. 3000 until established. Cleared ILS 14L approach. 459JT.
RNAV Approach Clearance To An Uncontrolled Field (With A Procedure Turn)
Minneapolis Center: Skyhawk 459JT. 8 miles from NUSCI. Proceed direct NUSCI. Maintain 4000 until established. Report procedure turn inbound. Cleared RNAV runway 13 approach.
459JT: Direct NUSCI. 4000 until established. Will report inbound. Cleared RNAV 13 approach. 459JT.
459JT: Minneapolis Center. Skyhawk 459JT is inbound.
Minneapolis Center: Skyhawk 459JT. Roger. Report IFR cancellation via Flight Service. Frequency change approved.
459JT: We’ll report cancellation through Flight Service. Frequency change approved. 459JT.
RNAV Approach Clearance To An Uncontrolled Field (Without A Procedure Turn)
When the controller wants to be clear that you are not to do the HILPT (hold in lieu of procedure turn), they will use the term “straight in”.
Chicago Center: Skyhawk 459JT. 9 miles from BRIDY. Proceed direct BRIDY. Maintain 3000 until established. Cleared straight in RNAV runway 13 approach. Report IFR cancellation with Waterloo Clearance 120.9 or Flight Service. Frequency change approved.
459JT: Direct BRIDY. 3000 until established. Cleared straight in RNAV 13 approach. We’ll remember to cancel. Frequency change approved. 459JT.
Have a question about radio calls? Ask a ground instructor.