An air carrier inbound to shd for the ILS runway 5 approach received confusing information regarding...

Narrative:

While enroute to shd; pct told us to expect the ILS full approach to runway 5; and to proceed to the NDB. At that time; we were able to identify the NDB via morse code. The indication was slightly erratic at first; but became steady. We monitored the morse code throughout the procedure; which became stronger; as well as the indication. We intercepted the localizer outbound and waited for the ADF to swing shortly after. When it did; we started the time for the procedure turn. While outbound on the procedure turn; pct asked if we were receiving the NDB; which we were. At that point; pct informed us that the NDB was OTS on a NOTAM; contrary to our indications (morse code and steady ADF needle). During the descent into the procedure turn inbound; we spotted the airport; then requested; and was granted; the visual approach. We were in VMC prior to reaching the FAF. Prior to being given a clearance for an approach; approach control should ensure all required facilities are operating. [We] should not be dispatched to an airport where a required facility is out of service when an instrument approach is possible..

Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: An Air Carrier inbound to SHD for the ILS Runway 5 Approach received confusing information regarding the operational status of NDB. The reporter noted ATC should have provided more specific information regarding the NDB NAVAID.

Narrative: While enroute to SHD; PCT told us to expect the ILS full approach to Runway 5; and to proceed to the NDB. At that time; we were able to identify the NDB via Morse code. The indication was slightly erratic at first; but became steady. We monitored the Morse code throughout the procedure; which became stronger; as well as the indication. We intercepted the LOC outbound and waited for the ADF to swing shortly after. When it did; we started the time for the procedure turn. While outbound on the procedure turn; PCT asked if we were receiving the NDB; which we were. At that point; PCT informed us that the NDB was OTS on a NOTAM; contrary to our indications (Morse code and steady ADF needle). During the descent into the procedure turn inbound; we spotted the airport; then requested; and was granted; the visual approach. We were in VMC prior to reaching the FAF. Prior to being given a clearance for an approach; Approach Control should ensure all required facilities are operating. [We] should not be dispatched to an airport where a required facility is out of service when an instrument approach is possible..

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of April 2012 and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.

Attributes
ACN	938618
Time
Date	201103
Local Time Of Day	1201-1800
Place
Locale Reference	SHD.Airport
State Reference	VA
Environment
Flight Conditions	IMC
Light	Dusk
Aircraft 1
Make Model Name	SF 340B
Operating Under FAR Part	Part 121
Flight Phase	Initial Approach
Person 1
Function	Pilot Not Flying Captain
Qualification	Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Person 2
Function	First Officer Pilot Flying
Qualification	Flight Crew Commercial
Events
Anomaly	ATC Issue All Types Deviation - Procedural Published Material / Policy

An air carrier inbound to shd for the ILS runway 5 approach received confusing information regarding the operational status of NDB. The reporter noted ATC should have provided more specific information regarding the NDB NAVAID.