Definition
The published ground tracks an aircraft follows during the final, straight-in segment of an instrument approach to a runway. Each runway served by an instrument approach has its own final approach course, defined by a specific magnetic bearing aligned with (or closely offset from) the runway centerline.
Plain English
The straight, published paths aircraft fly toward a runway during the last part of an instrument approach. When two runways are close together, each runway has its own path, and the two paths run side by side as the aircraft head in to land.
Context Anchor
Seen on instrument approach charts, in ATC instructions, and in PRM discussions about closely spaced parallel runway approaches.
Derivation
Final' meaning the last segment before landing; 'approach' meaning the procedure of moving toward the runway; 'course' meaning the intended ground track. 'Course' comes from Latin 'cursus' meaning a running or path, which is why it refers to the line the aircraft follows over the ground.
Why Pilots Care
Allows safe simultaneous landings on closely spaced parallel runways by detecting any course deviation before it creates a conflict.
Analogy
Think of final approach courses like marked lanes leading to different toll booths. Each airplane must stay in its own lane as it gets closer to its assigned runway.
Intuition Check
Do not read “course” as a classroom course. Here, a course is a flight path over the ground. Do not read “final” as simply “the last thing that happens.” Here, it means the last approach path leading toward the runway or missed approach point.
Example Sentence 1
During the parallel ILS approach, both aircraft were established on their respective final approach courses, separated by the distance between the two runways.
Example Sentence 2
A course deviation alert sounded when one aircraft drifted off its final approach course toward the parallel runway.