Minimum Sector Altitudes (MSA) and Terminal Arrival Altitudes (TAA)
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of establishing Minimum Sector Altitudes (MSA) and Terminal Arrival Altitudes (TAA) for each aerodrome?

  • To define the highest altitude at which an aircraft can fly during an instrument approach
  • To determine the minimum descent altitude (MDA) for a specific approach procedure
  • To provide a safe altitude for aircraft to descend below during instrument meteorological conditions (IMC)
  • To ensure at least 300m (984ft) obstacle clearance within 25nm of the navigation aid, IAF or IF associated with the approach procedures (correct)
  • Under what conditions can an arriving aircraft descend below the Minimum Sector Altitude (MSA)?

  • When the aircraft is flying a visual approach
  • Only when the aircraft is flying a published approach procedure
  • When the aircraft is in contact with air traffic control
  • When the aerodrome and underlying terrain are visible and will remain so, or the aircraft is under radar control (correct)
  • What is the typical distance from the navigation aid, IAF or IF within which MSA/TAA provides obstacle clearance?

  • 25nm (correct)
  • 10nm
  • 100nm
  • 50nm
  • Where can pilots find the Minimum Sector Altitude (MSA) and Terminal Arrival Altitude (TAA) for a specific aerodrome?

    <p>On all instrument charts</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the typical altitude at which the instrument approach procedure begins?

    <p>The Minimum Sector Altitude (MSA)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of establishing Decision Altitude/Height (DA/H)?

    <p>To specify the minimum altitude at which a missed approach must be initiated</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary requirement for maintaining the centreline of the runway during a precision approach?

    <p>A visual means of maintaining the centreline once on the ground</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary difference between Category I and Category II precision approaches?

    <p>The minimum Decision Altitude/Height required</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of the 'on board' computer systems (FMS) in a precision approach?

    <p>To interpret received data and control the aircraft</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary characteristic of a Category IIIC precision approach?

    <p>No system minima, no Decision Altitude/Height, and no RVR requirements</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Minimum Sector Altitudes (MSA) and Terminal Arrival Altitudes (TAA)

    • MSA/TAA provide at least 300m (984ft) obstacle clearance within 25nm of the navigation aid, IAF, or IF associated with approach procedures.
    • MSA/TAA is established for each aerodrome and is shown on all instrument charts.
    • MSA/TAA is the lowest altitude permitted at the appropriate fix, typically the altitude at which the procedure begins.
    • An arriving aircraft can descend below MSA only when:
      • The aerodrome and underlying terrain are visible and will remain so.
      • The aircraft is under radar control being radar vectored.
      • The aircraft is flying a published approach procedure.

    Types of Procedures

    • Instrument procedures are defined by the guidance provided during an approach
    • ICAO defines two types of procedures: Precision Procedures and Non-precision Procedures

    Precision Approach

    • Provides accurate track guidance (azimuth) during the final approach segment
    • Provides information concerning height above the threshold of the runway (elevation)
    • Requires external equipment (e.g. ILS, MLS, PAR, GLS) to provide the necessary data
    • Ensures terrain clearance throughout the procedure by keeping the aircraft within a protected area

    Decision Altitude (Height)

    • The specific altitude at which a missed approach must be initiated if the required visual reference to continue the approach has not been established
    • Calculated based on the Operator's declared aerodrome operating minima
    • Defined in the Operations Manual

    Precision Categories

    • ICAO categories of precision approach systems based on accuracy of operation:
      • Cat I: System minima 60m (200ft), DH ≥ 60m, RVR ≥ 550m or ground visibility ≥ 800m
      • Cat II: System minima 30m (100ft), DH < 60m but ≥ 30m, RVR ≥ 350m
      • Cat IIIA: No system minima, DH < 30m or no DH, RVR ≥ 200m
      • Cat IIIB: No system minima, DH < 15m or no DH, RVR < 200m but ≥ 50m
      • Cat IIIC: No system minima, no DH, no RVR requirements

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    Description

    Learn about Minimum Sector Altitudes (MSA) and Terminal Arrival Altitudes (TAA) in aviation, including their purpose and application in instrument approach procedures.

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