Procedure Turns & Course Reversals
A procedure turn (PT) is the maneuver that reverses your direction onto the final approach course when the published initial segment doesn't already align you. It's a holding-adjacent topic because (a) the geometry of a PT and a hold both serve the same purpose — burn airspace cleanly to get reoriented — and (b) modern approaches frequently use a charted holding pattern in place of a PT (HILPT). Knowing when a PT is required, which type to fly, and when ATC has waived it is essential to flying any non-radar approach correctly.
When a procedure turn is required (and when it's not)
If a procedure turn is depicted on the approach plate, you must fly it — unless one of the four exceptions applies:
- ATC clears you for a straight-in approach.
- The initial segment is marked "No PT" on the chart.
- You are receiving radar vectors to the final approach course.
- You are conducting a timed approach from a holding fix.
Outside those exceptions, fly the depicted PT. ATC won't always remind you; it's your obligation as PIC to know the chart.
The 45/180 — most common procedure turn
The standard PT shape on US approach plates. Geometry:
- Fly outbound on the procedure-turn course (typically the reciprocal of final).
- Turn 45° from the outbound course (left or right per the chart).
- Fly that 45° heading for 40 seconds to 1 minute.
- Turn 225° back the opposite way to intercept the inbound final-approach course.
The 45/180 nets you back to the inbound course offset by a small distance, ready to track the final segment.
The 80/260 — rarely used
An older variant. Fly outbound, turn 80° one way, then immediately reverse 260° back to the inbound heading. Geometry-wise it produces a similar effect to the 45/180 but with sharper turn rates. Use only when nothing else fits — and almost no modern approach charts depict it as the primary technique.
The teardrop PT
Common when the chart specifically depicts a teardrop. Procedure:
- From the outbound course, turn to a heading offset by 30°, 20°, or 10° (per the chart).
- Fly that offset heading for 1, 2, or 3 minutes respectively.
- Turn back to intercept the inbound course.
The teardrop trades airspace efficiency for time — flying further out before turning back gives a cleaner intercept geometry, useful where the procedure-turn airspace is constrained.
Hold-in-lieu-of-PT (HILPT)
Many modern approach plates depict a charted holding pattern in place of a procedure turn. Same purpose (reverse course onto final), same protected airspace, but flown as a holding pattern with the standard entry rules and timing.
Unique characteristics:
- Only one circuit is required to be established inbound on the final-approach course — you can leave the racetrack as soon as you're aligned.
- If you're already established inbound when you arrive (e.g., direct entry geometry), you don't need to make a complete circuit. You can proceed directly to the FAF.
- The same exceptions to a normal PT apply (vectors, NoPT, straight-in clearance, timed approach).
- Maximum holding speed for HILPT is the same as for a normal hold (175 KIAS prop) unless the chart specifies less.
HILPT is now the FAA's preferred course-reversal depiction on most modern approaches, especially RNAV. The 45/180 PT survives mostly on legacy VOR and ILS approaches.