Definition
A maneuver flown on an instrument approach to reverse the aircraft's direction of flight so that it ends up established inbound on the final approach course. Common forms include a procedure turn, a holding pattern in lieu of a procedure turn, or a teardrop turn, as depicted on the approach chart.
Plain English
A flight path used during an instrument approach to turn the aircraft around and line it up heading toward the runway. It is shown on the approach chart and must be flown the way the chart depicts.
Context Anchor
Seen on instrument approach charts and in approach briefings when the aircraft must reverse direction before continuing inbound toward the airport.
Derivation
Course' here means the intended path over the ground. 'Reversal' means turning around to fly the opposite direction. Together: a maneuver that turns the aircraft around onto the inbound approach course.
Why Pilots Care
Ensures the aircraft remains within protected airspace and meets regulatory requirements while safely aligning with the final approach course.
Intuition Check
Do not read “course reversal maneuver” as just any U-turn. In this context, it is a published instrument-approach action that must be flown the way the chart and clearance require.
Example Sentence 1
ATC cleared us for the approach, and because we were arriving from the north we flew the course reversal maneuver to get established inbound.
Example Sentence 2
Instead of a straight-in approach, the aircraft performed a course reversal maneuver as specified on the approach plate.