Definition
The published altitude at which an aircraft must cross the Final Approach Fix (FAF) when flying a non-precision instrument approach. It is the altitude shown on the approach chart at the FAF symbol and represents the starting altitude for the final descent to the Minimum Descent Altitude (MDA) or to the missed approach point.
Plain English
The exact height the chart tells you to be at when you cross the point where the final part of the approach begins.
Context Anchor
Seen on instrument approach charts and used during the approach briefing before flying the final part of the approach.
Derivation
FAF stands for Final Approach Fix — the fix where the final approach segment begins. 'Altitude' here means the published crossing altitude tied to that fix.
Why Pilots Care
Maintains the proper vertical path so the aircraft clears obstacles and intercepts the final glide path or minimum descent altitude correctly.
Intuition Check
FAF altitude does not mean any altitude near the airport. It means the specific published altitude tied to the final approach fix for that instrument procedure.
Example Sentence 1
Cleared for the approach, the pilot leveled at the FAF altitude and began the final descent once crossing the fix.
Example Sentence 2
Crossing the FAF below the published altitude may result in inadequate obstacle clearance on the approach.