Definition
An instrument approach technique in which the aircraft descends continuously from the final approach fix to the runway threshold or missed approach point, using a stabilized, constant rate of descent rather than a series of step-down altitudes.
Plain English
A way of flying the final part of an instrument approach where the aircraft descends in one smooth, steady glide all the way down, instead of dropping in stages and leveling off between each step.
Context Anchor
Seen in instrument approach training, approach briefings, and procedures for nonprecision approaches.
Derivation
The name describes the technique directly: the descent is continuous (no level-offs) during the final approach segment. The term was introduced to distinguish this stabilized method from the older 'dive-and-drive' technique, where pilots descended quickly to each step-down altitude and leveled off until the next fix.
Why Pilots Care
It supports a stabilized approach, reduces the risk of controlled flight into terrain, and improves fuel efficiency.
Analogy
Think of it like using a ramp instead of stairs. The airplane follows one smooth path down rather than descending, leveling off, and descending again.
Intuition Check
Continuous does not mean you may keep descending no matter what. It means the descent is smooth, but you still stop descending or begin the missed approach if you reach a required minimum without the runway or required lights in sight.
Example Sentence 1
The crew briefed a continuous descent final approach for the RNAV approach, planning a steady descent from the final approach fix down to the runway.
Example Sentence 2
Airlines encourage continuous descent final approaches on suitable runways to maintain a stable landing configuration.