Definition
The specific airspeeds an aircraft is flown at during the approach phase of a flight, from the initial approach segment through final approach to landing. These speeds are published by the manufacturer for the aircraft's weight and configuration, and are flown to ensure adequate stall margin, controllability, and a stabilized descent to the runway.
Plain English
The set speeds a pilot flies as the aircraft is being lined up and brought down to land. Each part of the approach has its own target speed, and the pilot adjusts power and pitch to hold them.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft handbooks, landing checklists, instrument approach briefings, and discussions of aircraft control at slower speeds.
Derivation
Approach comes from words meaning “to come nearer.” In aviation, an approach is the part of flight where the aircraft is coming nearer to the runway or landing area, so approach speeds are the speeds used during that part of the flight.
Why Pilots Care
Maintaining correct approach speeds provides adequate control authority, prevents stall or excessive speed on touchdown, and supports safe go-around decisions.
Intuition Check
Do not read approach speeds as simply “any speeds while getting closer.” In flying, approach speeds are planned target speeds for the approach, not casual or approximate speeds.
Example Sentence 1
On final approach, the pilot reduced power and adjusted pitch to hold the published approach speed of 75 knots.
Example Sentence 2
Approach speeds are listed on the approach chart and adjusted for the aircraft's current weight before starting the descent.