When a single fix doubles as the IAF and the FAF, a PT will be
required. The reason is, an aircraft could be approaching the IAF from
any direction, and you need to maneuver in order to get established on
the final approach course prior to reaching the FAF. When two fixes
are available for an approach, that is when you are likely to find a
NoPT. GPS approaches rarely have PT because you can place a fix almost
anywhere.





"Michael 182" wrote in message news:qZPYb.7436$Xp.59196@attbi_s54...
What is the reasoning behind the required course reversal in many
approaches? It's hard to believe that I will be safer flying the racetrack
and then the approach to the runway than simply flying to the IAF and
proceeding inbound - especially with GPS guidance. I have no problem flying
the full published course, done it many times, I'm just curious why they are
designed that way.

Michael