Definition
A subsection of Federal Aviation Regulation Part 91, Section 91.175, titled 'Limitation on procedure turns.' It prohibits a pilot from executing a procedure turn when the aircraft is being radar-vectored to the final approach course, when conducting a timed approach from a holding fix, or when the procedure specifies 'No PT.' In these situations the pilot must fly the approach as cleared without performing a course reversal, unless one is specifically authorized by ATC.
Plain English
This rule says: don't fly a course-reversal turn when you're being vectored onto the final approach, when timing your approach from a holding fix, or when the chart says 'No PT.' Just fly straight in unless ATC tells you otherwise.
Context Anchor
Seen in instrument flying discussions about being vectored by ATC onto the final approach course.
Derivation
CFR stands for Code of Federal Regulations. Part 91 contains the general operating and flight rules for civil aircraft in the United States. Section 91.175 covers takeoff and landing under IFR, and the lowercase letter (j) identifies the specific subsection within it. The lettered subsections let pilots and controllers cite a precise rule quickly.
Why Pilots Care
Prevents descent below safe altitudes without visual confirmation of the runway, reducing risk of controlled flight into terrain during instrument approaches.
Grounding Statement
When ATC turns you toward final, the controller is expecting you to intercept and continue inbound, not turn away to set up again.
Intuition Check
Do not assume that every published procedure turn on an approach chart is always flown. Under 14 CFR Part 91 § 91.175(j), certain situations mean “do not fly the turn” unless ATC specifically clears it.
Example Sentence 1
Because we were being radar-vectored to the final approach course, 91.175(j) prohibited us from executing the published procedure turn.
Example Sentence 2
After breaking out of the clouds the pilot verified the runway environment as required by 14 CFR Part 91 § 91.175(j) and continued to a safe landing.