SiriusXM Aviation

Capturing flights for debrief is the entire reason “Flight Chops” exists.  For this one, it wasn’t until reviewing the footage that I realized I’d made an error.  See additional detailed / specific context below.  (Drop a comment as to what your current understanding of how to handle this particular approach from the direction I was coming from).  I had incredible situational awareness thanks to partners ForeFlight and SiriusXM Aviation data, and of course I’m wearing a Bose A30 headset for crystal clear communications.   But even with all these awesome tools, mistakes still happen and it’s my goal to share them and improve by engaging the community. More info regarding the course reversal RNAV question thanks to Burgundystar (he’s mostly active on Instagram) There are a few reasons I can see course reversals existing and I’ll caveat this with the fact that I have not personally ever done any.  • With the absence of T-Fixes, there has to be a way for aircraft to intercept the final approach course from other angles. Otherwise, most FMC’s will “bypass” the waypoint (smart turn to intercept the final course) which will likely not comply with the lateral containment of an approach as the approaches are assessed for obstacle clearance. So there arises the need to create a way of intercept! • In high terrain areas, there exists no lateral extension for T-Fix creation so there needs to be a way of descending and intercepting final (Alaska - full of them!) There also may not be the ability to descend an aircraft on vectors due to the MVA and therefore a course reversal would be necessary.  • In high density airspace or close in airports, the dimensions of T-Fixes may cause overlapping procedures and an inability to clear multiple aircraft for an approach at the same time. Conversely, a T-Fix creation may encroach on airspace. Similarity, ATC may not be able to descend you due to traffic or airspace, necessitating a course reversal. If altitude loss is the goal, the PIC is responsible for advising ATC of the intention to shuttle descent or descend in the procedure turn.  I looked into the FAA AIM and from what I see, the pilot is expected to make a course reversal if cleared direct to the IF where a course reversal depiction is illustrated. If “NoPT” is depicted then the pilot, if cleared direct to the IF and within a certain amount of degrees, is expected to simply fly to the IF and fly the straight in segment.  _____ I appreciate Bose Aviation being a Flight Chops supporter for 10 years! https://boseaviation.com/experiences/first-solos-steve-thorne/ Shout out to SiriusXM Aviation. Having access to weather data while flying is a game changer! https://www.siriusxm.com/aviation/ Canadian link: https://www.siriusxm.ca/aviation/ And I’m proud to help share the Ground School App: The indispensable training app for new and experienced pilots. learnthefinerpoints.com/flightchops ____ And you may have noticed the interesting shots from the wing tip mounted camera. It is an Insta360 X5, and if you’d like one (or any other gear), please use code FlightChops at check out to help support the channel! https://store.insta360.com/ #Flying episodes like this wouldn't be sustainable without the involvement of Patrons. I want to thank all of you for your ongoing support! To become a part of the Flight Chops core community and gain access to exclusive raw cuts, behind the scenes videos, and more, visit: https://www.patreon.com/join/FlightChops/ Follow FlightChops on Twitter: https://twitter.com/flightchops Follow FlightChops on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flightchops/ Follow FlightChops on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flightchops/ FlightChops Sponsors & Supporters: https://flightchops.com/supporters/ FLIGHT CHOPS DISCLAIMER: I am a "weekend warrior" private pilot, I fly for fun with no intentions of going commercial. I have had my PPL for over 20 years, but still consider each flight a learning experience - I generally take detailed notes after each flight to remind myself what went well or what I could do to improve.... Having GoPro cameras to record flights like this is invaluable. I find these self analysis videos very helpful in my constant quest to improve, and am happy to share. Feedback is invited; however, please keep it positive.