Now that we’ve covered the pilot brief section of the approach chart, it’s time to move on to the plan view.
The plan view of the instrument approach chart gives the pilot a “bird’s eye” view of the approach procedure to be flown. The information provided includes, approach course, navaid frequencies, intersections, terrain data, and missed approach information. Depending on the chart much more information is provided and understanding the plan view is essential to flying any instrument approach safely.
The plan view is your quick reference while flying the approach to make sure that your aircraft is in the proper position along the approach path. This is especially important when flying feeder routes and transitions that rely on navigational aids and courses different from the approach procedure.
Terrain depictions are also very important. Many precision approaches are flown very close to steep terrain. Always knowing where the terrain is around your aircraft while in the clouds is a must. The plan view on your approach plate is the only place to get terrain data quickly and accurately, along with a minimum safe altitude should any emergency occur.
A thorough understanding of the plan view section of the approach chart is essential to flying instruments safely.