Definition
A maneuver flown to reverse direction and align the aircraft on an inbound course to a final approach fix or facility, used during an instrument approach when course reversal is required. The pilot may choose any type of procedure turn (such as the standard 45-degree turn, a teardrop, or an 80-260) unless the approach chart specifies a particular method. The maneuver must be completed within the distance and on the side of the inbound course shown on the approach chart, and must not exceed the maximum charted altitude or distance from the fix.
Plain English
A planned turn used during an instrument approach to swing the aircraft around so it ends up flying back in the opposite direction, lined up with the final approach course.
Context Anchor
Seen on instrument approach charts and used when flying a published approach that requires a course reversal before continuing inbound.
Derivation
Procedure comes from the Latin procedere meaning to advance or go forward in an orderly way; turn refers to a change in heading. The combination signals a standardized, rule-based reversal rather than an arbitrary maneuver.
Why Pilots Care
Keeps the aircraft inside protected airspace, ensures proper alignment with the final approach course, and allows safe descent before landing.
Intuition Check
A procedure turn is not just any turn made during a procedure. It is a specific, charted course-reversal maneuver used only when the approach procedure calls for it.
Example Sentence 1
Cleared for the approach, the pilot crossed the fix outbound, flew the procedure turn within the charted ten miles, and rolled out inbound on the final approach course.
Example Sentence 2
After the procedure turn, the aircraft was aligned with the final approach segment and cleared for the ILS.