For Localizer Back Course approaches, what must you set in the CDI?

For Localizer Back Course approaches, what must you set in the CDI?

• A. Reciprocal of the course listed in the APP CRS box on the Approach chart
• B. Actual course to the runway
• C. Inbound course from the approach plate
• D. Final approach course

Answer: (A)

For a localizer back course, you must set the CDI to the reciprocal of the published approach course. The approach plate lists the course to fly on the approach in the APP CRS box, which is the front course. On a back course, you are effectively flying in the opposite direction along the same localizer signal, so you invert that course on the CDI. This keeps the deviation needle aligned with your actual path toward the runway. For example, if the published front course is 360 degrees, you would set 180 degrees on the CDI for the back course. Setting the CDI to the front/front course or to the runway heading would provide inverted indications and lead you off course. The final approach course shown on the plate is the same front course; the reciprocal is required only for the back course approach.

For a localizer back course, you must set the CDI to the reciprocal of the published approach course. The approach plate lists the course to fly on the approach in the APP CRS box, which is the front course. On a back course, you are effectively flying in the opposite direction along the same localizer signal, so you invert that course on the CDI. This keeps the deviation needle aligned with your actual path toward the runway.

For example, if the published front course is 360 degrees, you would set 180 degrees on the CDI for the back course. Setting the CDI to the front/front course or to the runway heading would provide inverted indications and lead you off course. The final approach course shown on the plate is the same front course; the reciprocal is required only for the back course approach.