Plain English Meaning

It is the marked point on an instrument approach where the pilot starts the final descent toward the runway. Before this point, the aircraft is being positioned for the approach; after it, the aircraft is committed to the final descent path.

Full Definition

The Final Approach Fix is the specific point on a non-precision instrument approach where the final approach segment begins. From the FAF, the aircraft descends along the published final approach path toward the runway or missed approach point. On approach charts, the FAF is depicted by a Maltese cross symbol.