What is an acceptable teardrop course when planning a teardrop entry to a procedure turn?

Prepare for the USAF Instrument Exam. Practice with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question offers hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

In the context of planning a teardrop entry to a procedure turn, the acceptable teardrop course is ideally set to align with the outbound course. The standard teardrop angle for entry is typically 30 degrees off the outbound course. This means if you are on the outbound leg and need to intercept a course to enter the turn, you can utilize an angle that facilitates a smooth transition back towards the final approach course.

In many cases, the procedure specifies a teardrop that is 30 degrees from the outbound course heading. If the outbound course heading is identified as 143 degrees, for example, adding 30 degrees to this would yield a teardrop course of approximately 113 degrees, which effectively leads back into the turn and onto the final approach.

This rationale helps reinforce why the answer of 113 degrees is correct. It aligns with standard procedure turn techniques and ensures that pilots can establish the proper alignment and timing for the approach, as well as comply with altitude and airspeed requirements during the maneuver. This understanding of teardrop entries is crucial for efficient and safe operations during instrument flight.

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