Is the pilot expected to turn inbound on a final approach course without clearance?

• A. Yes
• B. Only if given traffic pattern clearance
• C. Only on uncontrolled airports
• D. No

Answer: (D)

The important idea is that an instrument approach, including turning onto the final approach course, requires ATC authorization. You don’t begin or turn onto the final approach course unless you have been cleared for the approach or are being vectored to final with explicit instructions.

If ATC clears you for the approach or gives you vectors to intercept the final approach course, you then proceed accordingly. Without that clearance, you should not turn inbound toward the final approach course, because doing so would be proceeding on an approach without authorization and could create conflicts with other traffic.

So, you should not turn inbound on the final approach course without clearance, regardless of the airport type.