Special Instrument Approach Procedures

AIM ¶ 5-4-8 — Special Instrument Approach Procedures

AIM 5-4-8 explains Special Instrument Approach Procedures: who can use them, how they're authorized, and how to get FDC NOTAMs for Specials.

In Plain English

Special Instrument Approach Procedures (Special IAPs) are approaches built using the same TERPS criteria as standard IAPs, but they are not published in the Federal Register and are not available to the general flying public.

Key points to understand:

Standard IAPs are published under 14 CFR Part 97 and available to any qualified pilot in a properly equipped aircraft.
Special IAPs require specific FAA authorization for individual pilots or organizations. They may demand:
- Additional crew training
- Specific aircraft equipment or performance capabilities
- Use of landing aids, communications, or weather services not available to the public
Approaches serving private-use airports or heliports are generally Special IAPs.
Safety-of-flight information for Specials is distributed via FDC NOTAMs (and FDC T-NOTAMs) when the location has a valid landing area identifier in the U.S. NOTAM system.

Operationally, this matters because Flight Service will not automatically provide NOTAMs for Special IAPs during a standard preflight briefing. If you are authorized to fly a Special, you must specifically request the FDC NOTAM for that procedure by name.

AIM Source Text

FAA AIM ¶ 5-4-8

5-4-8. 5-4-8. Special Instrument Approach Procedures Instrument Approach Procedure (IAP) charts reflect the criteria associated with the U.S. Standard for Terminal Instrument [Approach] Procedures (TERP), which prescribes standardized methods for use in developing IAPs. Standard IAPs are published in the Federal Register (FR) in accordance with Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations, part 97, and are available for use by appropriately qualified pilots operating properly equipped and airworthy aircraft in accordance with operating rules and procedures acceptable to the FAA. Special IAPs are also developed using TERPS but are not given public notice in the FR. The FAA authorizes only certain individual pilots and/or pilots in individual organizations to use special IAPs, and may require additional crew training and/or aircraft equipment or performance, and may also require the use of landing aids, communications, or weather services not available for public use. Additionally, IAPs that service private use airports or heliports are generally special IAPs. FDC NOTAMs for Specials, FDC T-NOTAMs, may also be used to promulgate safety-of-flight information relating to Specials provided the location has a valid landing area identifier and is serviced by the United States NOTAM system. Pilots may access NOTAMs online or through an FAA Flight Service Station (FSS). FSS specialists will not automatically provide NOTAM information to pilots for special IAPs during telephone pre-flight briefings. Pilots who are authorized by the FAA to use special IAPs must specifically request FDC NOTAM information for the particular special IAP they plan to use.

Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask

Q1What's the difference between a Standard and a Special Instrument Approach Procedure?

Per AIM 5-4-8, both are developed using TERPS criteria, but Standard IAPs are published in the Federal Register under 14 CFR Part 97 and are available to any qualified pilot in a properly equipped aircraft. Special IAPs are not given public notice in the Federal Register and may only be used by specific pilots or organizations the FAA has authorized, often with additional training, equipment, or supporting services.

Q2If you are authorized to use a Special IAP, how do you obtain NOTAM information for it?

Per AIM 5-4-8, FDC NOTAMs (and FDC T-NOTAMs) are used to promulgate safety-of-flight information for Specials. FSS specialists will not automatically provide this information during a telephone preflight briefing — the authorized pilot must specifically request the FDC NOTAM for the particular Special IAP they plan to use. NOTAMs can also be accessed online.

Q3Why might an approach to a private airport or heliport be a Special IAP?

Per AIM 5-4-8, IAPs that service private-use airports or heliports are generally Special IAPs because they aren't intended for public use. The FAA authorizes only certain pilots or organizations to use them, and the procedure may rely on additional crew training, aircraft performance/equipment, or landing aids, communications, or weather services that are not available for public use.

Related Paragraphs in AIM Chapter 5

¶ 5-4-1

STAR Procedures and Descend Via

¶ 5-4-10

Timed Approaches from Holding Fix

¶ 5-4-11

Radar Approaches

¶ 5-4-12

Radar Monitoring Instrument Approaches

¶ 5-4-13

Simultaneous Parallel Approaches

¶ 5-4-14