For 45/180 Procedure turns, how long should the outbound leg be flown?

For 45/180 Procedure turns, how long should the outbound leg be flown?

• A. 2.5 DME or 1 Minute
• B. 3 DME
• C. 2 Minutes
• D. 1 DME

Answer: (A)

In a 45/180 procedure turn, the outbound leg is kept short to set up a precise, controlled reversal. You fly to a point about 2.5 DME from the initial approach fix (IAF) or, if time limits you before you reach that distance, you time it for about one minute. Whichever comes first determines when you begin the inbound leg. This keeps the turn tight, preserves obstacle clearance, and puts you on the proper course for the 180-degree reversal. So the outbound leg length being 2.5 DME or roughly one minute, whichever occurs first, is the standard way to ensure consistent geometry for the reversal. The other options either exceed the typical distance or time, which can lead to misalignment with the inbound course.

In a 45/180 procedure turn, the outbound leg is kept short to set up a precise, controlled reversal. You fly to a point about 2.5 DME from the initial approach fix (IAF) or, if time limits you before you reach that distance, you time it for about one minute. Whichever comes first determines when you begin the inbound leg. This keeps the turn tight, preserves obstacle clearance, and puts you on the proper course for the 180-degree reversal.

So the outbound leg length being 2.5 DME or roughly one minute, whichever occurs first, is the standard way to ensure consistent geometry for the reversal. The other options either exceed the typical distance or time, which can lead to misalignment with the inbound course.