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I'm designing a VOR approach for a fictional airport in a video game. I've been studying TERPS to help me make the procedure, and I just was curious if an approach necesarilly needed an initial approach phase. I am mainly referring to this section in Section 2-4:

"When the IF is part of the en route structure, it may not be necessary to establish an initial approach segment. In this case, the fix is designated as an IF/IAF and intermediate segment standards apply (see section 2-5)."

I guess I'm not very sure what makes something the IF vs. IAF besides the approach phase that begins at it. I was curious if I can just label the VOR as IF/IAF and have the approach be a descent to the FAF, before flying the final approach. I know this often happens when a PT is required (i.e, you fly over the station initially, descend, then fly over it again as the IF), but my approach won't have a PT.

If so, is the VOR-A at KGIF an example of this?enter image description here

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No, an initial approach phase is not required, and yes this is an example of an approach that does not have one.

I was curious if I can just label the VOR as IF/IAF and have the approach be a descent to the FAF

Yes, as long as the IF is on the enroute structure, the MEAs on the enroute structure are low enough that you don't need a hold or PT to lose altitude, the turns onto the intermediate segment are less than 120 degrees, and you follow all the other rules.

But while this may be less effort for the procedure designer, it also generally makes your approach less useful. The prohibition against sharp turns is why the plate you've shown has the note "Procedure NA for arrival on LAL VORTAC airway radials 046 CW 080," as those two airways (V441 and V533 westbound) would have too sharp of a turn onto the intermediate segment.

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