The ILS Critical Area protects aircraft utilizing the ILS against interference and course distortion caused by other aircraft or vehicles near the antennas. Have you ever seen an ILS Critical Area sign or marking and wondered what you were supposed to do about it? Here are some quick tips for avoiding a pilot deviation, or causing someone else’s missed approach.
• ATC must protect the ILS Critical Area when there is an aircraft on an approach inside the FAF, and the weather is at or below 800’ or 2 miles.
• If the conditions warrant, ATC will issue “Hold short of [RWY] ILS Critical Area.”
• If you receive that clearance, you MUST keep your entire aircraft clear of the associated marking, and remain on the safe side of the ILS Critical Area.
Safety works best when we help each other, so if the weather is at or below 800’ or 2 miles and ATC hasn’t issued you an ILS hold, it doesn’t hurt to hold short and ask anyway. Remember, ILS Critical Areas are only mandatory when ATC issues a hold. If the field is uncontrolled, there is no requirement to hold short of the ILS Critical Area. That said, be mindful of the weather and inbound aircraft, and consider holding short if conditions warrant.
Here are some quick references:
• AIM 2-3-5.b
• AIM 1-1-9.k
Fly Safe,
Nick DeLotell
FAA Commercial Operations Branch, AFS-820
Nicholas.DeLotell@faa.gov
609-485-9500
