Approach Plate Symbols

[ofick]

Please take a look at the KOJC LOC RWY 36 approach plate: The plate includes a (CFBXV) identifier with a lightning bolt pointing to an x. The x is located in the lateral center of the approach path. I would like to know what this means and how it is used in the approach.

The plate also says that ADF is required. Can an IFR-approved GPS be used in lieu of ADF for this approach?

[Keith Smith]

Moderator note: moved to the Pilot forum. The "pilot training program" is for questions regarding specific V-x or I-x ratings from the pilot training program.

[Keith Smith]

CFBXV is a CNF (computer navigation fix). It can be discerned from normal fixes by the parenthesis. The important difference is that ATC is not guaranteed to have that in their system, so you should never reference a CNF when talking to ATC, they may not have a clue what you're talking about. They're added to procedures to make them easier to fly with a navigation database.

It could be that CFBXV is used to assist with the procedure turn if you're flying the full approach, but other than that, it doesn't appear to have much use in the procedure. Compare that to the ILS RWY 11 approach at KSBP and notice the use of the CNF (CFFFC) in the procedure when it's flown CREPE.

Yes, GPS can be used in lieu of ADF for the approach. The final approach fix is HERBB. Having GPS means you have no practical need to use ADF to identify the final approach fix.

All of this symbology is covered in the PilotEdge workshops dealing with instrument approaches, btw.