Jeppesen Approach May 2026

Introduction In the lexicon of aviation, the term "Jeppesen Approach" does not refer to a specific type of instrument procedure (like an ILS or VOR), but rather to a philosophy and graphic standard for depicting instrument approach charts. Created by Captain Elrey B. Jeppesen in the 1930s, this system transformed aviation from a risky, ad-hoc endeavor into a disciplined, predictable science. This paper explores the history, anatomy, and strategic advantages of the Jeppesen approach chart, contrasting it with government alternatives (like the FAA’s NACO charts) to illustrate why it remains the global standard for airline operations. 1. Historical Context: The Birth of the "Little Black Book" In 1930, Elrey Jeppesen was a pilot for Varney Air Lines (a predecessor to United). After a friend crashed due to lack of field data, Jeppesen began a personal notebook. He would land at an airfield, walk the perimeter, and hand-sketch terrain, obstacle locations, and approach angles.