Which statement best describes the plan view on an instrument approach chart?

• A. The overhead view of an approach procedure showing the routes from en route segments to the IAF.
• B. The side view of an aircraft during the approach.
• C. The view showing the internal layout of the cockpit.
• D. A cross-sectional depiction of the airspace around the airport.

Answer: (B)

The plan view is the top-down, overhead depiction of the instrument approach procedure. It shows the horizontal layout of the route—from en route segments to the initial and final approach fixes, along with the final approach course and runway alignment. This view helps you understand how you’ll navigate laterally to the runway, including where you intercept paths, turns, and any procedure segments.

The side view, by contrast, is the profile view, which shows the vertical path: altitude steps, descent angles, and how you descend from the Initial Approach Fix down to the landing minimums. The cockpit-layout and cross-sectional airspace depictions aren’t part of the plan view’s purpose.

So the best description is the overhead/top-down view of the approach procedure showing the routes from en route segments to the initial/final approach fixes and the runway alignment.