Definition
A category of instrument approach that provides both lateral (left/right) course guidance and vertical (descent path) guidance, but does not meet the stricter performance and integrity standards required to be classified as a precision approach. APV approaches include LNAV/VNAV and LPV procedures flown using satellite-based navigation.
Plain English
An instrument approach that gives the pilot a guided path down to the runway — both side-to-side and up-and-down — but is held to a slightly lower standard than a full precision approach like an ILS.
Context Anchor
Seen on instrument approach charts and in landing minimums discussions, especially when comparing approaches that provide vertical descent guidance with those that do not.
Derivation
The name describes exactly what it is: an approach procedure that includes vertical guidance. It was coined to fill the gap between non-precision approaches (lateral only) and precision approaches (lateral plus vertical, to a higher standard).
Why Pilots Care
Determines the minimum ceiling and visibility needed to complete the approach and land safely.
Intuition Check
Do not assume “vertical guidance” means the airplane lands itself. It means the procedure gives you descent-path guidance to follow during the approach.
Example Sentence 1
The RNAV approach into the destination airport was an APV procedure, so the pilot followed the published glide path down to the LPV minimums.
Example Sentence 2
Because the approach provided vertical guidance, the crew could fly a stabilized descent even though it was not a precision approach.