Definition
An instrument approach procedure that provides both lateral (left-right) and vertical (up-down) guidance to the runway, but does not meet the stricter accuracy and integrity standards required for a precision approach. APV approaches include LNAV/VNAV and LPV minimums on RNAV (GPS) approach charts.
Plain English
A type of instrument approach where the aircraft gets steering guidance both side-to-side and up-and-down on the way down to the runway, but it isn't quite as accurate as a full precision approach like an ILS.
Context Anchor
Seen on instrument approach charts and in weather-minimums discussions, especially when deciding what published limits apply before landing.
Derivation
The term reflects the function: it is an approach 'with vertical guidance,' but the FAA places it in its own category — better than non-precision (which has no vertical guidance), not as tightly specified as precision. The label was created when GPS-based approaches gave pilots glidepath guidance without meeting the older precision-approach standards.
Why Pilots Care
Allows use of lower decision altitudes and visibility minimums than non-precision approaches, improving airport access in marginal weather.
Intuition Check
Do not assume that any approach with vertical guidance is a precision approach. APV means it has approved vertical guidance, but it does not meet the full requirements to be classified as precision.
Example Sentence 1
Because the GPS approach had LPV minimums, the pilot briefed it as an APV rather than a precision approach.
Example Sentence 2
Part 91 operators may fly the APV procedure when weather is at or above the published minimums.