AIM

8/15/19

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12

Arrival Procedures

direct to the IAF or to the IF/IAF associated with the
sector that the aircraft will enter the TAA and join the
approach course from that point and if required by
that sector (i.e., sector is not labeled “NoPT),
complete the HILPT course reversal.

NOTE

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If approaching with a TO bearing that is on a sector
boundary, the pilot is expected to proceed in accordance
with a “NoPT” routing unless otherwise instructed by
ATC.

5.

Altitudes published within the TAA  replace

the MSA altitude. However, unlike MSA altitudes the
TAA altitudes are operationally usable altitudes.
These altitudes provide at least 1,000 feet of obstacle
clearance, more in mountainous areas. It is important
that the pilot knows which area of the TAA the aircraft
will enter in order to comply with the minimum
altitude requirements. The pilot can determine which
area of the TAA the aircraft will enter by determining
the magnetic bearing of the aircraft TO the fix labeled
IF/IAF. The bearing should then be compared to the
published lateral boundary bearings that define the
TAA areas. Do not use magnetic bearing to the
right-base or left-base IAFs to determine position.

(a)

An ATC clearance direct to an IAF or to

the IF/IAF without an approach clearance does not

authorize a pilot to descend to a lower TAA altitude.
If a pilot desires a lower altitude without an approach
clearance, request the lower TAA altitude from ATC.
Pilots not sure of the clearance should confirm their
clearance with ATC or request a specific clearance.
Pilots entering the TAA with two

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way radio

communications failure (14 CFR Section 91.185,
IFR Operations: Two

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way Radio Communications

Failure), must maintain the highest altitude pre-
scribed by Section 91.185(c)(2) until arriving at the
appropriate IAF.

(b)

Once cleared for the approach, pilots may

descend in the TAA sector to the minimum altitude
depicted within the defined area/subdivision, unless
instructed otherwise by air traffic control. Pilots
should plan their descent within the TAA to permit a
normal descent from the IF/IAF to the FAF. In
FIG 5

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5, pilots within the left or right

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base areas

are expected to maintain a minimum altitude of 6,000
feet until within 17 NM of the associated IAF. After
crossing the 17 NM arc, descent is authorized to the
lower charted altitudes. Pilots approaching from the
northwest are expected to maintain a minimum
altitude of 6,000 feet, and when within 22 NM of the
IF/IAF, descend to a minimum altitude of 2,000 feet
MSL until crossing the IF/IAF.

FIG 5

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Sectored TAA Areas