Definition
The descent angles, measured in degrees below the horizontal, that a helicopter is permitted or required to use during the final segment of an instrument approach to a heliport or landing area. These angles are specified in the Rotorcraft Flight Manual or in the approach procedure, and they define the steepness of the descent path from the final approach fix to the missed approach point or landing point.
Plain English
How steeply a helicopter is allowed to come down on the last part of an instrument approach. The flight manual and the approach chart tell you the steepest and shallowest descent paths you can use.
Context Anchor
Seen when checking helicopter flight manual limits and instrument approach procedures before flying a helicopter approach.
Derivation
Final comes from a word meaning “last” or “end.” Approach means “to come near.” Angle means a measured slant. Together, the phrase points to the measured steepness of the last part of the approach path.
Why Pilots Care
Using an angle outside the approved range can exceed aircraft performance or stability limits and lead to an unstable approach.
Grounding Statement
A larger final approach angle means a steeper descent; a smaller angle means a flatter descent.
Intuition Check
Do not read “angle” here as a turn or heading change. In this term, it means the steepness of the descent path on final approach.
Example Sentence 1
Before flying the approach, the pilot checked the Rotorcraft Flight Manual to confirm the published final approach angles were within the helicopter's certified limits.
Example Sentence 2
Steep final approach angles listed in the limitations allowed the helicopter to descend directly to the elevated pad.