Definition
A published instrument approach maneuver used to descend an aircraft from a high altitude holding fix or initial approach fix down to an altitude suitable for the final approach segment. The aircraft departs the fix outbound on a specified heading or radial, descends along a teardrop-shaped track, then turns inbound and intercepts the final approach course while continuing to descend.
Plain English
It is a way of losing a lot of altitude during an approach. The aircraft flies outbound from a navigation fix in a long curving path shaped like a teardrop, turns back inbound, and lines up with the final approach course at a much lower altitude.
Context Anchor
Seen on high-altitude instrument approach charts, including VOR approaches, where the procedure must bring the aircraft down from en route altitude and line it up for the approach.
Derivation
Teardrop describes the shape of the ground track: outbound on one heading, a turn, then inbound on a slightly offset course, forming a narrow loop that resembles a teardrop. Penetration is used in the older sense of pushing down through altitude, since the maneuver is designed to descend the aircraft through several thousand feet of airspace.
Why Pilots Care
Provides a standardized, protected method to reverse course and descend from enroute altitudes onto the approach without exceeding airspace limits or terrain clearance requirements.
Grounding Statement
Picture the aircraft crossing the approach starting point high above the airport area, flying away while descending, then curving back to join the approach path inbound.
Intuition Check
“Teardrop” does not mean the pilot may make any rounded turn that looks convenient; the charted path and turn are part of the procedure. “Penetration” here means descending from high altitude into the approach, not forcing entry through weather or airspace.
Example Sentence 1
The crew briefed the high altitude teardrop approach penetration before crossing the VOR, expecting to lose nearly 10,000 feet during the procedure.
Example Sentence 2
Cleared via the high altitude teardrop approach penetration, the aircraft reversed course while staying within the protected airspace.