Tactical Instrument Approaches Exam

ADVANCE FLYING ACADEMY

Tactical Instrument Approaches Exam

A Tactical Instrument Approaches Exam tests your proficiency in conducting precise approaches under challenging operational conditions, often in environments where standard procedures must be adapted for tactical or mission-specific needs. Below is a comprehensive study guide to help you prepare.

Key Topics to Study

1. Purpose of Tactical Instrument Approaches

Enhancing safety and precision in adverse weather, low visibility, or high-threat environments.
Supporting mission requirements such as covert operations or rapid ingress/egress.

2. Types of Tactical Instrument Approaches

Tactical VOR/DME Approach:
- Using VOR (VHF Omnidirectional Range) and DME (Distance Measuring Equipment) for navigation.
- Adjustments for non-standard approach patterns.
Tactical ILS (Instrument Landing System):
- Leveraging the precision of ILS while considering tactical constraints like threats or terrain.
Tactical GPS/Area Navigation (RNAV):
- Using GPS for approaches in austere locations with no traditional navigation aids.
PAR (Precision Approach Radar):
- Ground-controlled approaches for military airfields or tactical landing zones.
Combat Descent Approach:
- Rapid descent profiles to minimize exposure to threats (e.g., spiral descent patterns).

3. Mission-Specific Adaptations

Steeper glide paths to avoid small arms fire or terrain.
Non-standard pattern entries (e.g., high-speed or low-level ingress).
Use of terrain masking to avoid radar detection during approach.

4. Navigation and Approach Procedures

Understanding approach plates and mission-specific deviations.
Use of onboard systems:
- Flight Management Systems (FMS).
- Enhanced navigation displays (e.g., synthetic vision).
Calculating descent rates, step-down fixes, and decision altitudes.

5. Threat Mitigation During Approach

Identifying and avoiding threats such as anti-aircraft artillery (AAA) or surface-to-air missiles (SAMs).
Evasive maneuvers during approach, including "pop-up" approaches.
Communication with ground forces or air traffic control to deconflict airspace.

6. Weather and Environmental Considerations

Impact of weather on navigation systems (e.g., GPS signal degradation).
Adjustments for wind, turbulence, and icing during tactical approaches.
Operating in austere conditions with limited or degraded navigational aids.

7. Emergencies and Abnormal Situations

Missed approach procedures specific to tactical scenarios.
Contingency plans for navigation system failures or loss of communication.
Low-fuel emergency approaches under tactical constraints.

8. Regulations and Safety

Military-specific instrument flight rules (IFR).
Deviations from standard FAA/ICAO procedures for tactical requirements.
Risk mitigation and decision-making in high-stress environments.

Sample Questions

Multiple Choice:
What is a primary reason for utilizing a tactical instrument approach over a standard approach?
- A. To improve glide slope precision.
- B. To minimize exposure to threats or enemy detection.
- C. To decrease the required runway length.
- D. To simplify communication with ground forces.
(Correct Answer: B)
Scenario Question:
You are conducting a tactical GPS approach into an austere airfield with a known AAA threat in the area. Explain the adjustments you would make to your approach procedure to mitigate the threat.
Calculation Problem:
You are performing a steep tactical descent approach at 180 knots ground speed. If your desired descent rate is 1,000 feet per nautical mile, what should your vertical speed (in feet per minute) be?
True/False:
Tactical instrument approaches prioritize stealth and threat mitigation over strict adherence to standard instrument procedures.
Practical Problem:
During a tactical ILS approach, your glide slope indicator malfunctions. What backup procedures can you implement to safely complete the approach?

Study Tips

Review Approach Plates and Procedures
- Study tactical approach plates and be familiar with their differences from civilian equivalents.
Simulated Practice
- Use simulators to practice approaches in degraded conditions, with threats, or in austere environments.
Navigation Systems
- Understand the use of both traditional navigation aids (e.g., VOR, ILS) and advanced systems like GPS and RNAV.
Emergency Procedures
- Memorize contingency plans for missed approaches, navigation failures, and unexpected threats.
Threat Mitigation Tactics
- Study evasive maneuvers and rapid descent techniques for high-threat areas.
Weather Adjustments
- Understand how to adjust for poor visibility, turbulence, or icing during approaches.