Procedure Turn

A procedure turn is a manoeuvre on an instrument approach in which a course reversal is made to establish the aircraft on the intermediate or final approach course. It is used on approaches where the published arrival route does not align with the final approach course and a course reversal is required.

Standard Procedure Turn

The standard procedure turn consists of: fly outbound on the specified course from the procedure turn fix; turn to the specified heading (typically 45° from the outbound course); fly for one minute; turn 180° back to intercept the inbound course. The entire procedure must be completed within the protected area (typically within 10 NM of the fix).

When a Procedure Turn Is Not Authorized

“NoPT” on a chart segment means a procedure turn is not authorized — fly straight-in. This is common on radar vectors to final, RNAV arrivals, and straight-in approaches from a STAR. Executing a procedure turn when NoPT is charted violates the protected airspace.

Related Terms

See also: Initial Approach, IFR, Final Approach.