pointSixtyFive

5-9-1

Vectors to Final Approach Course

JO 7110.65BB, Change 3, effective July 9, 2026 · Official text on faa.gov

Except as provided in paragraph 7-4-2, Vectors for Visual Approach, vector arriving aircraft to intercept the final approach course:

  1. At least 2 miles outside the approach gate unless one of the following exists:
    1. When the reported ceiling is at least 500 feet above the MVA/MIA and the visibility is at least 3 miles (report may be a PIREP if no weather is reported for the airport), aircraft may be vectored to intercept the final approach course closer than 2 miles outside the approach gate but no closer than the approach gate.
    2. If specifically requested by the pilot, aircraft may be vectored to intercept the final approach course inside the approach gate but no closer than the final approach fix.

      EXCEPTION. Conditions 1 and 2 above do not apply to RNAV aircraft being vectored for a GPS or RNAV approach.

  2. Provide a minimum of 1,000 feet vertical separation between aircraft on opposite base legs unless another form of approved separation is established during turn-on to final approach.
  3. For a precision approach, at an altitude not above the glideslope/glidepath or below the minimum glideslope intercept altitude specified on the approach procedure chart.
  4. For a nonprecision approach, at an altitude which will allow descent in accordance with the published procedure.
  5. EN ROUTE. The following provisions are required before an aircraft may be vectored to the final approach course:
    1. The approach gate and a line (solid or broken), depicting the final approach course starting at or passing through the approach gate and extending away from the airport, be displayed on the radar scope; for a precision approach, the line length must extend at least the maximum range of the localizer; for a nonprecision approach, the line length must extend at least 10 NM outside the approach gate; and
    2. The maximum range selected on the radar display is 150 NM; or
    3. An adjacent radar display is set at 125 NM or less, configured for the approach in use, and is utilized for the vector to the final approach course.
    4. If unable to comply with subparagraphs 1, 2, or 3 above, issue the clearance in accordance with paragraph 4-8-1, Approach Clearance.