Originally Posted by
piperboy84
On the approach plate between PNM04 and the MA09 there is a "3NM" fix. Why is that there? if its a distance marker why doesnt it have the same designation structure as the 4 mile marker i.e. PNM03?
I think you're mixing up the procedures.
09 is coded PN09F, MA09, PNM01,2,3 etc.
27 is coded PN27F, RW27, PNM04,5,6 etc.
Nevertheless the question is a good one. The 3 nm point is a step down fix for the LNAV (2D) procedure. Policy these days is not to code any fixes between the FAF (PN09F) and the MAPt (MA09) so that the pilot has a continuous readout of distance to go. So you have to keep an eye on the distance and ensure that you don't descend below 1300 before 3 miles to MA09.