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Good pilots are always learning as Paul, a blogger on Ask a Flight Instructor, noted when he recently learned something new about TAA approaches, procedure turns and how they are charted – especially on the Jeppesen charts. To make a long story short, Paul was recently flying and made a procedure turn mistake. After contacting the Jeppesen charting office, he learned something very important about how transitions and procedure turns are charted:

When there is a common transition to a fix, the “NoPT” is only added to the first leg of the transition. (please read that twice).  For instance, if you look at the above approach plate, you can see that the words “NoPT” are placed next to the 3,100′ and 30 NM transition but not to the 8 NM and 3,000′ portion. Although it is not explicitly stated, the procedure turn is NOT authorized for that leg of the transition as well!  Did you know that?  I sure didn’t.

Paul also noted the following situations where procedure turns are not required:

1) When the symbol “No PT” is depicted on the initial segment being used.

2) When receiving radar vectors to the final approach course.

3) When conducting a timed approach from a holding fix.

4) When ATC specifies in the approach clearance “Cleared Straight-In (type) approach.”

5) When a teardrop procedure turn is depicted and a course reversal is required, this type turn my be executed.

6) When a holding pattern replaces a procedure turn, then the holding pattern must be followed (unless you meet one of the above rules).

7) When the procedure turn barb is absent from the plan view.

Paul concluded by saying that if and when you have a question about whether or not a procedure turn is required, you should immediately request clarification from ATC as this will save you both time and fuel. Definitely good advice worth following.