What is a procedure turn?

• A. A maneuver used to reverse direction to establish on the intermediate approach segment or final approach course.
• B. A hold-in-lieu-of procedure turn.
• C. A go-around procedure.
• D. A circling approach.

Answer: (A)

A procedure turn is a maneuver used to reverse direction so you can establish yourself on the intermediate or final approach course. It gives you a controlled way to switch from the outbound leg to the inbound approach path while staying inside protected airspace and ensuring obstacle clearance. By reversing course, you can intercept the inbound course from the right side and at an appropriate angle for a stable approach. While there are variations (such as a hold-in-lieu-of procedure turn) that achieve the same reversal, the fundamental idea is about turning back toward the approach track to align with the final approach. It’s not a go-around or a circling approach, which are different procedures.