At Angel Aviation, we teach our instrument students that not all approaches are created equal—and not having vertical guidance doesn’t mean you’re off the hook. Non-precision approaches demand precision in your timing, planning, and situational awareness. There’s no glidepath to follow, which means you are the glidepath.
Your DPE wants to see that you understand how to brief, fly, and manage a non-precision approach from start to missed—without losing track of step-down fixes, altitudes, or MAP timing. This guide walks you through everything you need to know for ACS Area IV: Approach Procedures.

📍 What is a Non-Precision Approach?
A non-precision approach is an instrument approach procedure (IAP) that provides lateral guidance to the runway but does not provide vertical guidance. Unlike an ILS or LPV, you won’t get a glide slope. You’ll descend in stages to the Minimum Descent Altitude (MDA), then level off and wait for the runway—or the missed approach point.

✈️ Types of Non-Precision Approaches
VOR Approaches: Use radial navigation from a ground-based VOR station.

NDB Approaches: Less common, but test your ability to fly using non-directional beacons.

Localizer (LOC): Shares the same lateral guidance as an ILS, but with no vertical component.

LDA/SDF: Offset versions of a localizer; not always aligned with the runway.

RNAV (LNAV): GPS-based, lateral-only guidance.

💡 Checkride Tip: Be ready to identify what type of approach you’re flying and how to interpret its minimums and MAP.

📖 How to Brief It
Start with the Approach Name and Type
Say it out loud: “This is the VOR-A into XYZ.”

Minimums
Know your category and find the correct MDA. Make note of any step-down fixes or VDP.

Missed Approach Instructions
Know them cold. Verbalize them during the brief.

Timing
If no timing is published, know why. If it is, have your timer set and ready.

Weather Minimums
Crosscheck with the ceiling and visibility—this will determine if you can land.

💡 Checkride Tip: If there’s a VDP (visual descent point), brief whether or not you’ll use it and why.

🧭 Flying the Non-Precision Approach
Without a glidepath, your descent is more hands-on. Here’s how to fly it:
Fly to the FAF
Level off or descend to the intermediate segment altitude.

Cross the FAF
Begin descent to the next step-down fix or to MDA if cleared.

Descend to MDA
Level off at MDA and prepare to fly level until the MAP unless visual is acquired.

Missed Approach Point (MAP)
MAP can be:

A DME fix

A specific time after FAF

A GPS waypoint

At MAP:

See the runway environment? Land.

Don’t? Execute the missed approach immediately.

💡 Checkride Tip: Don’t start descending below MDA until you see the required visual references. “Hoping” to see the runway isn’t part of the ACS.

🧮 Don’t Forget the Math
If the MAP is defined by timing, make sure you:
Start your timer at the FAF

Use the correct ground speed table

Account for wind if needed

💡 Checkride Tip: If the DPE turns off your GPS, be ready to calculate MAP by time or DME.

🛑 Common Mistakes to Avoid
Descending below MDA before visual contact

Forgetting to start or monitor the timer at FAF

Not identifying the MAP

Blowing through a step-down fix

Failing to brief the missed approach procedure

🧠 Summary: Fly It Like a Pro
Non-precision approaches are a test of judgment, not just skill. Your examiner wants to see:
✅ Solid briefing
✅ Situational awareness
✅ Proper descent planning
✅ Strict altitude discipline
✅ Correct decision at the MAP
Whether it’s a LOC, VOR, or LNAV approach, fly it like you’re not getting a second chance. That’s how you earn the rating—and the confidence that comes with it.
Need more practice with non-precision approaches?
Book a sim session or hop in the airplane with one of our CFII instructors—we’ll walk you through every type of lateral-only approach until it clicks.
Fly smart. Fly sharp. Fly Angel.