What does a “--A” suffix indicate on an approach?

The “--A” suffix on an approach chart indicates that the runway heading significantly differs from the final approach course. This is an important detail for pilots as it can affect their approach flight path and technique. When the approach course does not align closely with the runway heading, pilots need to be mindful of the necessity to make turns to intercept the final approach course, which can increase the complexity of the approach.

Understanding this distinction is crucial for planning and executing an approach, as it can impact not just navigation but also the use of instruments, and can lead to potential misalignment during landing. Pilots should be aware of such notations to ensure proper situational awareness when approaching a runway.

The other options, while relevant to understanding approaches, do not accurately describe the implication of the “--A” suffix. For instance, a Category II ILS requirement is designated with a different suffix, and the existence of obstructions or specifics about the missed approach point are indicated through other annotations on the chart.