Definition
The process of selecting and entering an instrument approach procedure into a GPS or flight management system so that the unit can sequence and guide the aircraft through that approach. The pilot chooses the destination airport, selects the specific approach (for example, RNAV (GPS) RWY 27), selects the initial approach fix or transition, and confirms the procedure into the active flight plan.
Plain English
Telling the GPS which instrument approach you plan to fly, so it can load all the waypoints and altitudes for that approach into the active flight plan.
Context Anchor
Seen on GPS procedure pages when preparing to fly an instrument approach, including when using the nearest airport function during a diversion or emergency setup.
Derivation
Approach comes from an old word meaning “to come nearer.” In aviation, it means the planned final part of getting to a runway. Loading means placing selected information into the navigator’s memory so it can be used.
Why Pilots Care
Ensures the GPS provides correct lateral and vertical guidance without missing critical waypoints or altitude restrictions during the approach.
Intuition Check
Do not read “loading” as “flying.” Approach loading only puts the selected approach into the GPS; the pilot still must verify it and have the proper clearance before using it.
Example Sentence 1
About 30 miles out, the pilot began approach loading by selecting the RNAV RWY 9 procedure and the LOGAN transition into the GPS.
Example Sentence 2
After approach loading, the GPS displayed the full sequence of waypoints down to the missed approach point.