Definition
The waypoint on a GPS instrument approach that marks the start of the final approach segment. Crossing the FAWP inbound establishes the aircraft on the published final approach course, at or above the published altitude, on track to the runway or missed approach point.
Plain English
It is the point on a GPS approach where the final straight-in run to the runway begins. Once you cross it heading toward the airport, you are on final.
Context Anchor
Seen on GPS instrument approach procedures and in the aircraft’s GPS flight plan when flying an instrument approach.
Derivation
Final means last, from the Latin finalis. Approach is the segment leading to the runway. Waypoint is a defined point in space used for GPS navigation. Together: the last named point before the runway on a GPS approach.
Why Pilots Care
It signals the pilot to complete landing configuration and begin the final descent to the runway.
Intuition Check
Do not think of the FAWP as the runway or the touchdown point. It is a navigation point before the runway that marks where the final part of the instrument approach begins.
Example Sentence 1
Crossing the FAWP, the pilot began the final descent toward the runway.
Example Sentence 2
Before beginning the approach, the pilot confirmed the FAWP was correctly sequenced in the navigation system.