RNAV/GPS Approach Tips (LPV, LNAV+V and more) - Sporty's Instrument Flying Tips

What is the difference between an LPV and LNAV approach? Do you have to adhere to the altitudes on stepdown fixes when flying the glideslope on an LNAV+V approach? And on what segments of an ILS approach can you use an IFR-approved GPS for primary navigation?

We'll answer these questions and more in this informative segment on RNAV/GPS approaches.

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[sportyspilotshop]

The guidance in the video is to always load the full approach first in the GPS, and then activate Vectors to Final mode when on the final heading to intercept the final approach course. When you do it this way, the actions of both "Activate Vectors to Final" and "Activate Leg" from the flight plan screen do the exact same thing. This keeps all the approach waypoints in the flight plan, allowing you to quickly navigate back to any of them if needed from the flight plan page if the approach doesn't go as planned.

[okyerepilot]

I liked first ....can’t wait to fly IFR

[whoanelly-]

And that's why I don't use vectors to final and advise against using it to my students...much better to activate the leg you'll intercept so you don't get caught with your pants down...

[fishhisy]

Vectors to final is horrible advice, I've been broken off an approach many times and had I hit vectors to final, I'd lose all the fixes outside the faf, activating a leg between iaf and intermediate fixes is a better solution.