Instrument Cross Country - Three Approaches
In September, 2022, the FAA updated its guidance on how it distinguishes between "types of approaches" and "types of navigation systems" The summary is that the FAA now says an applicant can meet the requirements for the instrument rating cross country "by performing three different approaches, regardless of the source of navigation." The FAA now says that different approaches can now be defined by the various lines of minima found on an approach plate.
The update to Order 8900.1 states:
Clarification of Different Kinds of Approaches. Section 61.65(d) contains the aeronautical experience requirements for a person applying for an Instrument—Airplane rating.
Section 61.65(d)(2)(ii)(C) states, in relevant part, that an applicant must complete 40 hours of actual or simulated instrument time that includes at least one cross-country flight that is performed under instrument flight rules (IFR) and involves “three different kinds of approaches with the use of navigation systems.” The FAA previously issued legal interpretations indicating that the three different kinds of approaches must utilize three different kinds of navigation systems. The FAA has since rescinded the legal interpretations. To fulfill the regulatory requirements, an applicant only needs to conduct three different kinds of approaches regardless of the navigation system utilized. Different approaches can be defined by the various lines of minima found on an approach plate. For example, localizer (LOC) minima are one kind of approach operation and instrument landing system (ILS) minima are another kind of approach operation. The same could be true of Area Navigation (RNAV) GPS-titled approach plates, a localizer performance with vertical guidance (LPV) approach is one kind of approach operation and a Localizer Performance (LP) to a circling MDA is another kind of approach operation.
Subparagraph 5-433A3) above discusses the types of approaches. This paragraph also applies to § 61.65(e)(2) and (f)(2). NOTE: Precision approach radar (PAR) and airport surveillance radar (ASR) approaches can be used to meet the requirements of § 61.65(d)(2), (e)(2), and (f)(2).
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Note that this change is only for the cross country required in 61.65(d)(2)(ii)(C). It does not effect any requirements for approaches on the check ride.