Definition
A course reversal maneuver in which the aircraft departs the fix on an outbound track that diverges from the inbound course by a set angle (typically 30° or 45°), flies that track for a specified distance or time, then turns in the opposite direction to intercept the inbound course. The flight path traced on a chart resembles a teardrop shape.
Plain English
A way of turning the aircraft around to fly back the way it came. The pilot first flies outbound on a line that's slightly off from the return course, then makes a single turn back, rolling out aimed at the inbound course.
Context Anchor
Seen on instrument approach procedures when the aircraft must reverse direction before continuing inbound on the approach.
Derivation
Named for the shape the flight path makes on a chart. The outbound leg, the turn, and the inbound leg together trace a long, narrow loop that looks like a teardrop.
Why Pilots Care
It provides a standardized method to safely reverse course and align with the approach while staying within protected airspace.
Intuition Check
Do not read “teardrop” as a required exact shape in the sky. It describes the general course-reversal pattern: angled outbound, then turning back inbound.
Example Sentence 1
The approach chart called for a teardrop procedure turn, so she flew outbound on the 045 radial for one minute before turning left to intercept the inbound course.
Example Sentence 2
Using the teardrop procedure turn allowed the aircraft to remain within the protected airspace during the approach.