"Tim Auckland" wrote in message
...
The ambiguity is still there.

No, I think it's cleared up now (finally!).

The first sentence in the newly revised wording hints that a procedure
turn is not necessary unless "it is necessary to reverse
direction...".

The first sentence, taken by itself, is still slightly ambiguous (though
less so than before, since it now says that the procedure is "prescribed"
when a direction-reversal is necessary; in other words, when the FAA thinks
you need to reverse course, they prescribe a PT, by charting it).

However, the second sentence completely overrides the first sentence.

I'd say it clarifies rather than overrides--the second sentence eliminates
the ambiguity that would otherwise have been present in the first sentence.

It states that the PT (or hold-in-lieu) is a required maneuver when it
is depicted on the approach chart.
The third sentence then goes on to say that the procedure turn is not
permitted in certain circumstances.
The note then goes on to say that the pilot may elect to use the
procedure turn when it is not permitted if she or he first receives an
amended clearance from ATC.

Yup. That all seems unambiguous now.

It'd also be way clearer if the FAA just dropped the "is a required
maneuver when depicted on the approach plate" concept,

I think that concept is what clears up the previous ambiguity--the depicted
PT is required, apart from the specifically listed exceptions.

--Gary

"New: Revised October 18, 2005

5-4-9. Procedure Turn

A procedure turn is the maneuver prescribed when it is necessary to
reverse direction to establish the aircraft inbound on an intermediate
or final approach course. The procedure turn or hold-in-lieu-of-PT is a
required maneuver when it is depicted on the approach chart. However,
the procedure turn or hold-in-lieu-of-PT is not permitted when the
symbol "No PT" is depicted on the initial segment being used, when a
RADAR VECTOR to the final approach course is provided, or when
conducting a timed approach from a holding fix. The altitude
prescribed for the procedure turn is a minimum altitude until the
aircraft is established on the inbound course. The maneuver must be
completed within the distance specified in the profile view.
Note
The pilot may elect to use the procedure turn or hold-in-lieu-of-PT when
it is not required by the procedure, but must first receive an amended
clearance from ATC. When ATC is Radar vectoring to the final approach
course or to the Intermediate Fix, ATC may specify in the approach
clearance "CLEARED STRAIGHT-IN (type) APPROACH" to insure the procedure
turn or hold-in-lieu-of-PT is not to be flown. If the pilot is
uncertain whether the ATC clearance intends for a procedure turn to be
conducted or to allow for a straight-in approach, the pilot shall
immediately request clarification from ATC (14 CFR Part 91.123). "