What is a course reversal typically used for?

A course reversal is primarily aimed at reorienting an aircraft, particularly in the context of a missed approach procedure or aligning with a specific navigation aid. When a pilot encounters a scenario where they cannot land or need to change their navigational path effectively, a course reversal allows them to safely establish a new track towards the intended approach. This maneuver is essential for ensuring that the aircraft navigates correctly for a safe landing.

In the context of missed approaches, the procedure often provides a pre-defined course reversal to allow pilots to gain altitude and fly safely away from the airport before engaging in a new approach. Similarly, if a pilot is navigating via a specific aid (such as VOR or NDB), a course reversal assists in adjusting their flight path efficiently to align with that aid.

This focus on safely redirecting the flight and establishing a new routing is what makes this option the most applicable in situations where a fundamental change in navigation is necessary.