What does a "no-gyro approach" entail?

A "no-gyro approach" is a procedure where the pilot must rely on Air Traffic Control (ATC) for guidance because the aircraft's gyroscopic instruments, which provide orientation information, are not functioning. In this situation, the pilot cannot rely on typical autopilot or gyro-based navigational aids to maintain the correct heading or altitude during the approach. Instead, ATC provides directions to navigate and control the aircraft. This typically involves the controller issuing instructions for turns and altitude changes, allowing the pilot to safely execute the approach without the aid of the malfunctioning instruments.

The concept emphasizes the importance of communication and aircraft control under less-than-ideal scenarios, ensuring that pilots can still execute approaches safely even when their instruments are compromised. This can be a crucial training scenario, as it prepares pilots for real-world complications they may encounter.