Refer to figure.
A pilot is taking off from Runway 16 and must navigate to waypoint ATSU and then make a turn to the next waypoint. The procedure can involve different turn techniques, and two different flight paths are depicted in each of the annexes in the figure. Which of the following statements is true regarding the procedures followed by the aircraft?
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A
The aircraft in Annex 1 follows a Radius-to-Turn (RTT) procedure between the waypoints.
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B
The aircraft in Annex 2 follows a Radius-to-Turn (RTT) procedure and only turns to the next waypoint after passing the waypoint ATSU.
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C
The aircraft in Annex 2 turns to the next waypoint after passing the waypoint ATSU because it is a fly-over waypoint.
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D
The aircraft in Annex 1 uses a fly-over instead of a standard turn procedure.
Refer to figures.
There are several parts to this question that need understanding. Firstly, turns in the PBN concept can be two types.
ICAO PBN Manual Doc 9613 Fixed radius paths (FRP): The FRPs take two forms:
- One is the radius to fix (RF) leg type (see Figure I-A-A1-4). The RF leg is one of the leg types described that should be used when there is a requirement for a specific curved path radius in a terminal or approach procedure. The RF leg is defined by radius, arc length, and fix.
- The other form of the FRP is intended to be used with en-route procedures. Due to the technicalities of how the procedure data are defined, it falls upon the RNP system to create the fixed radius turn (also called a fixed radius transition or FRT) between two route segments. These turns have two possible radii, 22.5 NM for high altitude routes (above FL195) and 15 NM for low altitude routes.
From this you can see that a Radius-to-Turn procedure does not exist. Any answer that uses that phrase must therefore be incorrect.
As this is a departure, it would be a terminal procedure and use a radius to fix. However looking at the figure this is not a radius to fix, which is a continuous turn between two waypoints. It could be a fixed radius transition but that would be in an en-route section of a flight. But we can be sure it is NOT a Radius-to-Turn, as that is a made up term.
Secondly we need to look at the type of waypoint; PBN procedures use both fly-over and fly-by waypoints:
- Fly-by waypoints. These are used when an aircraft should begin a turn to the next course before reaching the waypoint separating the two route segments, called turn anticipation.
- Fly-over waypoints. These are used when the aircraft must fly over the point prior to starting a turn.
The aircraft in Annex 1 uses a fly-by, Annex 2 is a fly-over. You can see from the figures that on a chart or PFD, a fly-over waypoint has a circle around it whereas a fly-by does not, so you can tell the difference when you are planning or flying.
Considering all the above, the only correct answer is: The aircraft in Annex 2 turns to the next waypoint after passing the waypoint ATSU because it is a fly-over waypoint.
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