Definition
A Procedure Turn (PT) is a charted maneuver used on an instrument approach to reverse course and align the aircraft with the final approach inbound track. It is flown within a specified distance and on the side of the course shown on the approach chart, and the published altitude must be maintained until the aircraft is established inbound on the final approach segment.
Plain English
PT is a planned U-turn shown on an approach chart. It lets the pilot turn the airplane around so it ends up lined up with the final path to the runway, flown at the altitude and within the area printed on the chart.
Context Anchor
Seen on instrument approach charts and in instrument procedure guidance when a course reversal is required or allowed.
Derivation
Procedure comes from an older word meaning a set way of doing something. That matters here because a procedure turn is not just any turn; it is a published, planned way to reverse course.
Why Pilots Care
The PT is one of the few times a pilot is given pilot's discretion on heading and timing during an IFR approach, but the altitude, distance limit, and side of the course are not optional. Busting the protected airspace by turning the wrong direction or flying past the distance limit can put the aircraft into terrain or other traffic.
Grounding Statement
Picture arriving from the wrong direction for an approach: the PT gives you a charted way to turn around and get lined up.
Intuition Check
PT does not mean any turn you decide to make. In this context, it means a published course-reversal maneuver flown when the procedure calls for it.
Example Sentence 1
The approach chart showed a PT at the initial approach fix, so the pilot flew outbound, completed the course reversal, and turned back inbound to intercept final.
Example Sentence 2
During the PT, the pilot maintained the published airspeed and altitude.