Definition
The phase of flight in which an aircraft transitions from en route or arrival flight toward landing at a runway, typically following a published procedure that provides lateral and vertical guidance down to a point from which a landing can be made.
Plain English
The part of the flight where the aircraft is lining up with the runway and descending in a controlled way, getting ready to land.
Context Anchor
Seen in airport notices, charts, cockpit notes, and aviation shorthand where there is not enough room to write out “approach.”
Derivation
From Old French aprochier, meaning 'to come near.' In aviation it keeps that everyday sense — the aircraft is coming near the runway — but refers to a specific, structured procedure rather than a casual move toward something.
Why Pilots Care
A well-flown approach keeps the aircraft stable, on the correct path, and clear of obstacles, directly affecting landing safety and go-around decisions.
Intuition Check
Do not read approach as simply “getting closer.” In aviation, an approach is the planned landing setup, often with a specific path, instructions, or visual guidance.
Example Sentence 1
ATC cleared us for the ILS approach to Runway 27.
Example Sentence 2
ATC cleared the aircraft for the visual approach after the traffic was in sight.