IFR aircraft cleared direct to DEHYY for the RNAV (GPS) Runway 28 approach to BJJ was questioned by ATC when a procedure turn was initiated; absent other direction/s; claiming chart required same.
Synopsis
IFR aircraft cleared direct to DEHYY for the RNAV (GPS) Runway 28 approach to BJJ was questioned by ATC when a procedure turn was initiated; absent other direction/s; claiming chart required same.
Narrative
The flight was a short IFR reposition flight from CAK to BJJ. My clearance was runway heading to 3;000 direct to BJJ (as filed). Departure Control; after radar contact; cleared me direct to DEHYY; which is the IF/IAF for the RNAV (GPS) Runway 28. His instructions were 'cleared direct to DEHYY; maintain 3;000 until established; cleared for the GPS Runway 28.' So I proceeded direct to DEHYY and started the procedure turn as required by the approach chart. On the turn outbound; departure called me and asked 'are you headed eastbound?' which I said 'yes; as required by the approach chart with DEHYY as the IF.' The next contact was inbound and approach asked if I was established inbound to which I responded 'yes.' When handing me off to CTAF; I asked if I could call (phone) to cancel my IFR and he said that would be fine because he would like to talk to me anyhow. I called on the ground and he asked why I thought I had to do a procedure turn on that approach? I answered because that is what is charted when at 3;000 within 8 miles of DEHYY as the IF. I am still under the impression that if I am at 3;000 feet with DEHYY as my IF for the full approach; I am required to do a procedure turn unless instructed by ATC to do so otherwise. For instance if he had said 'cleared for the 'straight-in' GPS 28 approach;' then I would not have done the procedure turn; but he didn't say that. His clearance was 'cleared for GPS 28 Wayne County.' I was never told not to do the procedure turn and it is charted as part of the approach. I understand which fixes the procedure turn is not authorized (GIMMU and EBEKY). He said that if I came up here again (CAK) and tried to do that procedure turn he would violate me and I could sort it out with the FSDO. He said of all the airplanes he clears for that approach; I am the only one who has ever done the procedure turn from DEHYY.
NASA callback
The reporter stated that after the submission of the ASRS report; and further review of the approach procedure chart especially the government chart publication; the completion of the turn in the holding pattern had been inappropriate. Reporter also indicated that if the Controller had verbalized 'straight in;' any uncertainty would have been clarified. The reporter stated the AIM's information of this subject is unclear and does not adequately cover the various scenario's that might be experienced with this type of procedure. The 'route' vs. 'RADAR vector' definitions and operational impacts were also discussed relating to this event.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.