Definition
Expanded Inward Access Features (EIAF) are additional inbound terminal arrival routes published on Standard Terminal Arrival (STAR) charts that provide more options for transitioning from the en route structure into the terminal area at busy airports.
Plain English
Extra published arrival paths that give pilots more ways to fly into a busy airport from the en route airways.
Context Anchor
Seen in FAA acronym lists and in NOTAM-style abbreviated airport information.
Derivation
‘Expanded’ means added or extended. ‘Inward access’ describes the direction of travel — coming into the terminal area from the en route structure. ‘Features’ refers to the additional published route options layered onto the standard arrival.
Why Pilots Care
EIAFs give controllers and pilots more flexibility for sequencing arrivals into busy airports, which can mean smoother transitions, fewer holding delays, and better routing options on a busy day.
Intuition Check
Do not read the IAF inside EIAF as initial approach fix. In this entry, EIAF means expanded inward access features.
Example Sentence 1
The arrival briefing noted several EIAFs available on the STAR, giving the crew alternate transition options into the terminal area.
Example Sentence 2
During the preflight, the pilot verified that all EIAF covers were secured.