Definition
In instrument flight, that part of an instrument approach procedure in which alignment and descent for landing are accomplished, beginning at the final approach fix or point and ending at the missed approach point or runway. In visual flight, the flight path of an aircraft on the last leg of the traffic pattern, aligned with the extended runway centerline and descending toward the landing runway.
Plain English
The last segment of the approach to landing, where the aircraft is lined up with the runway and descending toward it.
Context Anchor
Pilots encounter this term in traffic pattern calls, approach clearances, instrument approach charts, tower instructions, and landing briefings.
Derivation
From Latin finalis, meaning 'last' or 'final.' It is literally the last approach segment before landing — no further maneuvering for alignment is expected.
Why Pilots Care
This is the phase where a stabilized approach must be maintained; misalignment, excess speed, or high descent rate here often forces a go-around.
Intuition Check
Do not read “final” as “you must land now.” Final approach names the last inbound part of the approach, but the pilot can still go around if the landing is not safe.
Example Sentence 1
Cessna 4-3-Zulu is on a three-mile final for runway 27.
Example Sentence 2
On final approach the aircraft was fully configured with flaps and gear down.