Definition
The regulatory requirement that, when operating under instrument flight rules at a civil airport, a pilot must conduct an instrument approach using a Standard Instrument Approach Procedure (SIAP) prescribed by the FAA for that airport, flying it as published unless otherwise authorized by ATC. This includes adhering to the published routing, altitudes, courses, fixes, descent profile, and missed approach procedure.
Plain English
When you fly an instrument approach, you have to fly it the way it's printed on the chart. You can't make up your own version. The route, the altitudes, the headings, and the missed approach are all set, and you follow them unless ATC tells you to do something different.
Context Anchor
Seen when briefing and flying an IFR approach using an FAA approach chart, especially before descending from one fix to the next or deciding whether to land or miss the approach.
Derivation
Compliance comes from an older word meaning “to complete or fulfill.” In this context, it means you fulfill the requirements of the published procedure, not just generally follow the idea of it. Procedure comes from a word meaning “to go forward,” which fits an approach because it is a planned sequence of steps toward the runway.
Why Pilots Care
Keeps the aircraft inside protected airspace and clear of terrain and obstacles.
Grounding Statement
The approach chart is the protected path; compliance means staying within that path and its limits.
Intuition Check
Do not read “published” as merely “suggested” or “standard” as merely “usual.” Here, the published standard procedure is the approved procedure you are expected to follow unless a valid clearance or rule allows something different.
Example Sentence 1
Compliance with the published procedure required us to cross BAYLR at or above 3,000 feet before continuing the descent.
Example Sentence 2
ATC cleared the aircraft for a straight-in approach, but the pilot still ensured compliance with all published altitudes until reaching the decision altitude.