"Bee" wrote in message
...

I guess the AIM and the IPH need to state "A TAA straight-in, left base,
or right base area is the regulatory equivalent of a published approach
segment." Otherwise, the uncertainty and sharpshooting is endless. ;-)


The AIM already states that, in the Pilot/Controller Glossary:


AREA NAVIGATION (RNAV) APPROACH CONFIGURATION:

a. STANDARD T- An RNAV approach whose design allows direct flight to
any one of three initial approach fixes (IAF) and eliminates the need for
procedure turns. The standard design is to align the procedure on the
extended centerline with the missed approach point (MAP) at the runway
threshold, the final approach fix (FAF), and the initial
approach/intermediate fix (IAF/IF). The other two IAFs will be established
perpendicular to the IF.

b. MODIFIED T- An RNAV approach design for single or multiple runways
where terrain or operational constraints do not allow for the standard T.
The "T" may be modified by increasing or decreasing the angle from the
corner IAF(s) to the IF or by eliminating one or both corner IAFs.

c. STANDARD I- An RNAV approach design for a single runway with both
corner IAFs eliminated. Course reversal or radar vectoring may be required
at busy terminals with multiple runways.

d. TERMINAL ARRIVAL AREA (TAA)- The TAA is controlled airspace
established in conjunction with the Standard or Modified T and I RNAV
approach configurations. In the standard TAA, there are three areas:
straight-in, left base, and right base. The arc boundaries of the three
areas of the TAA are published portions of the approach and allow aircraft
to transition from the en route structure direct to the nearest IAF. TAAs
will also eliminate or reduce feeder routes, departure extensions, and
procedure turns or course reversal.

1. STRAIGHT-IN AREA- A 30NM arc centered on the IF bounded by a
straight line extending through the IF perpendicular to the intermediate
course.

2. LEFT BASE AREA- A 30NM arc centered on the right corner IAF.
The area shares a boundary with the straight-in area except that it extends
out for 30NM from the IAF and is bounded on the other side by a line
extending from the IF through the FAF to the arc.

3. RIGHT BASE AREA- A 30NM arc centered on the left corner IAF.
The area shares a boundary with the straight-in area except that it extends
out for 30NM from the IAF and is bounded on the other side by a line
extending from the IF through the FAF to the arc.