Low Approach Procedures

AIM ¶ 4-3-12 — Low Approach Procedures

AIM 4-3-12 explains the low approach (low pass) go-around maneuver, ATC coordination in controlled airspace, and CTAF advisories at non-towered fields.

In Plain English

A low approach (or low pass) is a go-around maneuver flown in place of landing or a touch-and-go. Pilots commonly use it to expedite operations such as a series of practice instrument approaches.

Key procedural points:

Fly straight ahead unless ATC authorizes otherwise. No turns or climbs until you've made a thorough visual check for other traffic.
In Class B, C, or D surface areas: Contact the tower for approval before starting the final approach.
At non-towered airports: Advise FSS, UNICOM, or make a self-announce broadcast before leaving the final approach fix inbound (nonprecision) or the outer marker / fix in lieu of the OM inbound (precision).

Why it matters: A low approach lets you practice approach procedures back-to-back without the time cost of a full-stop and taxi-back, but it puts you low and fast over the runway environment. Proper coordination prevents conflicts with departing, landing, or pattern traffic.

Would you catch this on the written? Try 5 questions below — no signup

AIM Source Text

FAA AIM ¶ 4-3-12

A low approach (sometimes referred to as a low pass) is the go-around maneuver following an approach. Instead of landing or making a touch-and-go, a pilot may wish to go around (low approach) in order to expedite a particular operation (a series of practice instrument approaches is an example of such an operation). Unless otherwise authorized by ATC, the low approach should be made straight ahead, with no turns or climb made until the pilot has made a thorough visual check for other aircraft in the area. When operating within a Class B, Class C, and Class D surface area, a pilot intending to make a low approach should contact the tower for approval. This request should be made prior to starting the final approach. When operating to an airport, not within a Class B, Class C, and Class D surface area, a pilot intending to make a low approach should, prior to leaving the final approach fix inbound (nonprecision approach) or the outer marker or fix used in lieu of the outer marker inbound (precision approach), so advise the FSS, UNICOM, or make a broadcast as appropriate.

Read the AIM? Now prove it

Would you catch these on the written?

Five FAA-written-style questions. Instant explanations, every answer cites its source — no account needed.

Live demo · no account needed

1/5

You are flying VFR in Class E airspace at 8,500 feet MSL during the day. What are your minimum visibility and cloud clearance requirements?

Keys A–D answer · Enter continues

PPL5 sample questions — in the app, the drill engine covers 88 PPL topics and every answer cites its source

Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask

Q1What is a low approach, and why might a pilot perform one?

Per AIM 4-3-12, a low approach (also called a low pass) is the go-around maneuver flown after an approach instead of landing or doing a touch-and-go. Pilots use it to expedite operations such as conducting a series of practice instrument approaches.

Q2How should the low approach be flown after the missed/go-around point, and what are the visual requirements?

Per AIM 4-3-12, unless otherwise authorized by ATC, the low approach should be made straight ahead, with no turns or climb until the pilot has made a thorough visual check for other aircraft in the area.

Q3What coordination is required before executing a low approach in Class D airspace versus at a non-towered airport?

Per AIM 4-3-12, in Class B, C, or D surface areas the pilot should contact the tower for approval prior to starting the final approach. At a non-towered airport, the pilot should advise FSS, UNICOM, or self-announce before leaving the final approach fix inbound (nonprecision) or the outer marker or fix used in lieu of the OM inbound (precision).

Related Paragraphs in Chapter 4

¶ 4-3-1

Airport Operations Safety

¶ 4-3-10

Intersection Takeoffs

¶ 4-3-11

LAHSO Pilot Responsibilities

¶ 4-3-13

ATC Light Gun Signals

¶ 4-3-14

Tower Ground Communications

¶ 4-3-15