Definition
Short written instructions or restrictions printed on an instrument approach chart, usually in the plan view or briefing strip, that apply to flying that specific procedure. They convey limitations, requirements, or special conditions that are not otherwise shown by the chart symbols, such as 'Procedure NA at night,' 'DME required,' 'Circling NA east of runway,' or temperature limits for using the procedure.
Plain English
These are the small printed notes on an approach chart that tell you any special rules for flying that approach — things like equipment you must have, times of day it can't be used, or directions you can't circle in.
Context Anchor
Seen on instrument procedure charts, including the plan view area, before flying or briefing an approach.
Derivation
Procedure comes from a Latin word meaning “to go forward” or “to proceed.” Notes are marked pieces of information. Together, procedure notes are the marked instructions that tell you how to proceed with that specific charted procedure.
Why Pilots Care
They contain mandatory instructions that directly affect how the approach must be flown and can impact safety.
Intuition Check
Do not treat procedure notes as casual comments. On an instrument chart, they are part of the procedure and can affect whether or how you may fly it.
Example Sentence 1
During the approach briefing, the pilot read the procedure notes aloud and confirmed the aircraft had the required DME equipment.
Example Sentence 2
Procedure notes on the chart warned that the final approach could not be completed without the proper altitude clearance.