Definition
The symbol on an instrument approach chart, shaped like an arrow with a barb, that indicates the direction (left or right) in which the procedure turn must be flown to reverse course and align with the final approach course.
Plain English
It is the small arrow with a barb printed on the approach chart that tells you which side of the inbound course to fly your course-reversal turn on.
Context Anchor
Seen on instrument approach charts when a published procedure turn is used to reverse course before continuing inbound.
Derivation
A 'barb' is the angled, hook-like point on an arrow or fishhook. The chart symbol is drawn with that same hooked shape, so chart designers called it a 'barbed arrow.' The barb points to the side of the inbound course where the turn must be flown.
Why Pilots Care
It shows the correct turn direction so the aircraft stays on the protected side of the approach and within obstacle clearance limits.
Intuition Check
Do not read the procedure turn barbed arrow as an exact path to trace in the sky. It shows the required side and general turn direction, not every precise heading or shape of the maneuver.
Example Sentence 1
The barbed arrow on the chart pointed to the west, so the pilot flew the procedure turn on the west side of the inbound course.
Example Sentence 2
Following the procedure turn barbed arrow keeps the aircraft aligned for the final approach course.