DGCA Air Regulations: Procedures for Air Navigation (PANS-OPS) Questions

Correct answer: C. The lowest height above the elevation of the relevant runway threshold, at which a missed approach must be initiated to ensure compliance with the appropriate obstacle clearance criteria

OCH Obstacle Clearance Height) for a PRECISION approach is the lowest height above the RUNWAY THRESHOLD ELEVATION at which a missed approach must be initiated to clear all obstacles. It is linked to the Decision Height DH). Measured from the threshold — not MSL and not aerodrome elevation. This is the safety floor for a precision approach!

Correct answer: B. Threshold or ARP

OCA Obstacle Clearance Altitude) is measured from MSL, and OCH Obstacle Clearance Height) is measured from the THRESHOLD elevation or the Aerodrome Reference Point ARP). So Threshold or ARP is correct because OCH uses threshold for precision approaches and ARP for non-precision approaches. They are the same concept, just expressed differently!

Correct answer: B. Greater than 3.7° 6.5%) for Cat A/B and 3.5° 6.1%) for Cat C/D/E

The standard/optimum NPA descent gradient is 3.0° 5.2%). A STEEP gradient is anything above this requiring special consideration. The MAXIMUM permissible steep gradient is 3.7°/6.5% for Category A and B aircraft, and 3.5°/6.1% for Category C, D, and E aircraft. For helicopters Category H) it can go up to 10% 5.7°). Cat A/B small/slow) can handle steeper than Cat C/D/E large jets)!

Correct answer: A. Missed approach point

The Missed Approach Procedure MAP) starts at the Missed Approach Point MAPt). This is the specific point in an approach where, if you have not seen the runway and established visual contact, you MUST go around. It is your last chance to land — after this point, it is mandatory to climb away.

Correct answer: C. 200 m 656 ft)

The obstacle clearance in the intermediate approach segment is 150m 492 ft). Wait — the PDF option says 200m but per ICAO PANS-OPS the correct answer is 150m. The intermediate segment narrows and the clearance reduces. Think of it like a funnel — as you get closer to the runway, the protected area gets smaller.

Correct answer: B. FL290 to FL410

RVSM Reduced Vertical Separation Minima) applies between FL290 and FL410 29,000 to 41,000 feet). This is the busy high-altitude cruising zone. Within this band, approved aircraft get 1000 ft separation instead of 2000 ft, allowing more aircraft to fly at efficient altitudes.

Correct answer: C. 25 NM

MSA Minimum Sector Altitude) is established in sectors around a navigation facility and is valid within 25 NM of that facility. Think of it like a safety bubble — 25 NM around the navaid is where the MSA protects you from hills and obstacles.

Correct answer: B. Base turn

A Base Turn is when the aircraft turns from the outbound leg to line up with the final approach track. Imagine you are walking away from a goal post outbound), then you turn around at an angle base turn) to come back toward it final approach). That turn is the Base Turn.

Correct answer: B. 610 m is established between extended runway centre lines and as is depicted on the radar display

For independent parallel approaches, the NTZ No Transgression Zone) must be at least 610 metres wide between the extended runway centrelines. The NTZ is like a forbidden middle lane on a highway — no aircraft is allowed to enter it. 610 m is the minimum safe width per ICAO rules.

Correct answer: A. Procedure for Navigation Services - Air Traffic Management

PANS-ATM stands for Procedures for Air Navigation Services — Air Traffic Management. The key word is AIR traffic management, not airport or aeronautical. It is about managing aircraft in the air and the procedures pilots and controllers follow.

Correct answer: C. 2000 ft

Non-RVSM aircraft older planes without precise altimeter equipment) that are allowed into RVSM airspace get a bigger separation of 2000 ft because they are less accurate. RVSM-approved aircraft get 1000 ft separation. Think: less precise equipment = more safety buffer needed.

Correct answer: C. All of the above flight level tables, position reports, and ATC procedures)

Doc 4444 PANS-ATM) covers ALL aspects of Air Traffic Management including flight level tables, position reports, ATC procedures, separation standards, and much more. It is the big book of rules for how ATC and pilots work together. So all of the above is correct.