Definition
A procedure turn is a charted maneuver used to reverse course and align the aircraft with the inbound track of an instrument approach, while losing altitude when required. It is flown within a specified distance from a fix and on a specified side of the inbound course, and may be depicted as a 45/180 turn, an 80/260 turn, or a teardrop pattern.
Plain English
A planned U-turn flown during an instrument approach to get the aircraft turned around and lined up with the final approach course at the right altitude.
Context Anchor
Seen on instrument approach charts and practiced in basic instrument flight patterns when the aircraft must reverse direction to line up with the approach path.
Derivation
From 'procedure' (a set, formal way of doing something) and 'turn' (changing direction). The name reflects that it is a standardized, charted turn — not a turn the pilot improvises.
Why Pilots Care
Keeps the aircraft inside protected airspace and on the correct path when a course reversal is needed before final approach.
Grounding Statement
Picture flying away from the approach path briefly, then making the charted turns to come back toward it lined up and ready to continue.
Intuition Check
Do not read this as simply “turns used during a procedure.” In instrument flying, procedure turns are a specific published course-reversal maneuver, flown only when the approach calls for or allows it.
Example Sentence 1
After crossing the initial approach fix, the pilot flew the charted procedure turn to reverse course and intercept the inbound track at the correct altitude.
Example Sentence 2
Procedure turns allow an aircraft to lose altitude and align with the runway while remaining within the protected area.