Definition
The structured pre-flight and in-flight process of preparing for an instrument approach to a runway, including selecting the appropriate approach procedure, reviewing approach charts, briefing minimums and missed approach instructions, configuring navigation equipment, and anticipating weather, terrain, and traffic factors that affect a safe arrival.
Plain English
Thinking through, in advance, exactly how you are going to fly down to the runway in poor visibility — which procedure you'll use, what altitudes and headings to expect, what the weather is doing, and what to do if you can't land.
Context Anchor
Used before and during instrument flying, especially when reviewing an approach chart and briefing the final part of the flight before landing.
Derivation
Approach comes from the Old French aprochier, meaning to draw near. In aviation it specifically refers to the descent and alignment with a runway for landing. Planning here carries its ordinary meaning: deciding ahead of time, not reacting in the moment.
Why Pilots Care
Good approach planning lowers workload at a busy time and reduces the chance of altitude busts, missed approaches, or unsafe arrivals.
Grounding Statement
Approach planning is the work done before the aircraft is close to the airport so the pilot is not making the plan while already in the most demanding part of the flight.
Intuition Check
Approach planning does not just mean thinking about landing. In this context, it means preparing the full instrument approach, including the path, limits, aircraft setup, weather, runway, communication, and what to do if landing is not possible.
Example Sentence 1
During cruise, the pilot began approach planning by reviewing the ILS chart, checking the latest weather, and briefing the missed approach procedure.
Example Sentence 2
During approach planning the crew confirmed the minimum safe altitude and noted the alternate airport in case weather deteriorated.