Definition
Published step-by-step instructions that guide an aircraft from the en route phase of flight down to a position from which a landing can be made, either visually or by following an instrument approach to a specific runway or airport.
Plain English
A set of standard instructions, printed on charts, that tells a pilot exactly how to fly from cruising flight down toward the runway in a safe, predictable way.
Context Anchor
Seen when preparing for an instrument arrival or landing, especially when using charts, avionics, or air traffic control instructions to reach the runway safely.
Derivation
From the verb 'approach' — to come near. In aviation it refers to the segment of flight where the aircraft is coming near the airport for landing. 'Procedures' simply means the set of established steps to follow.
Why Pilots Care
They create a safe, predictable path to the runway in low visibility and prevent controlled flight into terrain.
Intuition Check
Do not read “approach” here as simply flying closer to the airport. In this context, approach procedures are defined instructions for how to arrive, descend, line up, and safely leave the landing attempt if needed.
Example Sentence 1
Before descending, the pilot briefed the approach procedure for Runway 27, including the final approach altitude and missed approach instructions.
Example Sentence 2
Following the published approach procedures let the crew land safely in low clouds.