What is the normal distance used for a procedure turn?

• A. 5 NM
• B. 8 NM
• C. 12 NM
• D. 10 NM

Answer: (D)

Ten nautical miles. This distance is the standard baseline for a procedure turn because it provides enough room to fly the outbound leg, roll into a standard-rate 180-degree turn, and intercept the inbound course within the protected airspace shown on the approach chart. It helps you complete the reversal cleanly and align with the inbound track without squeezing the maneuver into too tight a space or wandering too far off course. Five miles would leave too little room for a safe reversal, while eight or twelve miles aren’t the typical reference distance used for a standard procedure turn.