Plain English Meaning

The Final Approach Fix is the spot in the sky where the last leg of the approach starts. Once you cross it, you begin your final descent toward the runway.

Full Definition

The Final Approach Fix is the published point on a non-precision instrument approach where the final approach segment begins. From the FAF, the pilot descends from the procedure's intermediate altitude toward the Minimum Descent Altitude (MDA) along the final approach course to the runway or missed approach point. On charts, the FAF is depicted by a Maltese cross.