Nonprecision Approach Procedure – Canadian Flight Trainers

A non-precision approach procedure is an instrument approach procedure that provides only lateral guidance (course guidance to the runway) without continuous vertical (glidepath) guidance. The pilot descends to the Minimum Descent Altitude (MDA) using a calculated descent profile, then levels off and searches for visual reference to the runway.

Types of Non-Precision Approaches

VOR: Course guidance from a VOR radial; requires VOR receiver
NDB: Bearing guidance from an NDB; requires ADF receiver
RNAV (LNAV): Lateral navigation using GPS; LNAV minimums; no vertical guidance
LOC (Localizer only): Lateral guidance from ILS localizer when glide slope is unserviceable

Stabilized Descent on Non-Precision Approaches

Despite the absence of electronic vertical guidance, pilots should fly a continuous stabilized descent to MDA rather than diving and driving (flying level at a high power setting then diving to MDA at the FAF). A Constant Angle Non-Precision Approach (CANPA) technique — using a published or calculated descent angle — dramatically improves safety and accuracy.

Types of Non-Precision Approaches

Stabilized Descent on Non-Precision Approaches

Related Terms