Because they asked for the "full VOR/DME 22" approach. Pilots request a
"full" approach when they want to do it on their own navigation, almost
always for training purposes. You can't navigate direct to MINES using
VOR,
you've got to go to HCH and fly the feeder route.

But the aircraft in question was /G, so he could fly direct MINES. And
MINES is an IAF, so an approach beginning there would be a "full
approach" ???

Thanks,
John