Definition
Published charts that depict the routes, altitudes, navigation aids, communication frequencies, terrain, obstacles, and runway information a pilot uses to fly an instrument approach to a specific runway at a specific airport. Each chart shows the procedure in plan view and profile view, along with minimum altitudes, missed approach instructions, and an airport diagram.
Plain English
Detailed maps and diagrams pilots use to fly an instrument approach safely to a particular runway. They show the path to follow, the altitudes to fly, and what the airport looks like.
Context Anchor
Seen during instrument flight planning, approach briefing, and review of runway or terrain information before landing.
Derivation
“Approach” means coming nearer to something, “procedure” means an ordered way of doing something, and “chart” means information shown in a mapped or graphic form. Together, the phrase points to a charted set of approved steps for coming in to land.
Why Pilots Care
Following these charts keeps the aircraft on a safe, standardized path that helps prevent disorientation from optical illusions during landing.
Intuition Check
Do not think of approach procedure charts as general airport maps or helpful suggestions. In aviation, they are official charted instructions for flying a specific instrument arrival path to an airport or runway.
Example Sentence 1
Before starting the descent, the pilot reviewed the approach procedure chart to confirm the minimum altitude for the final segment.
Example Sentence 2
Referencing the approach procedure charts allowed the crew to maintain the correct glide path despite the runway appearing higher than it was.