In what situation is a non-precision approach typically used?

A non-precision approach is typically used at airports that do not have precision landing systems, such as an Instrument Landing System (ILS). These approaches are designed to guide pilots when they are flying under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) but do not rely on the precise lateral and vertical guidance provided by precision approaches. Instead, non-precision approaches utilize navigational aids such as VOR or NDB, which offer only lateral guidance and require pilots to determine their descent profile visually or through additional navigation aids.

The use of non-precision approaches is particularly suitable for airports lacking advanced landing system infrastructure. In contrast, restaurants of visibility restrictions or varying IFR conditions could result in the need for non-precision approaches, but they aren't the defining circumstances for their use. While non-precision approaches can be applicable in various scenarios, their primary context is explicitly when the requisite precision-based systems are not available at the airport.