Definition
An altitude depicted on an instrument approach procedure chart that is recommended for descent planning but is not a required, mandatory, or minimum altitude. Advisory altitudes are shown in italics with the descriptor in parentheses and are typically published at stepdown fixes on non-precision approaches to help the pilot maintain a stabilized descent path.
Plain English
A suggested altitude printed on an approach chart to help you plan your descent. You don't have to fly it exactly, but using it keeps your descent smooth and predictable.
Context Anchor
Seen when reading instrument approach charts and landing minimums, especially while checking how the descent should be flown near the end of an approach.
Derivation
From Latin advisare, 'to consider' or 'give counsel.' An advisory is information offered as guidance, not as a command. That is exactly its role on an approach chart: helpful counsel, not a rule.
Why Pilots Care
Mistaking an advisory altitude for a mandatory or minimum altitude can cause confusion during the approach. Knowing the difference lets a pilot use the altitude for a stable descent without treating a deviation from it as a procedural violation.
Intuition Check
Advisory does not mean the altitude is legally controlling. It means the altitude is there to guide your descent while the published required minimums still control how low you may go.
Example Sentence 1
Crossing the stepdown fix, the pilot used the advisory altitude of 2,400 feet to keep the descent stabilized down to the minimum descent altitude.
Example Sentence 2
Crossing the step-down fix at the published advisory altitude kept the aircraft on the proper vertical path for the landing.