Definition
Navigation information that directs an aircraft along the final, straight-in segment of an instrument approach toward the runway, providing lateral course and, in some cases, vertical path information from the final approach fix to the missed approach point or runway.
Plain English
The signals or instrument information that line you up with the runway and guide you down the last part of the approach until you either see the runway or go around.
Context Anchor
Seen on instrument approach procedures that use a DME arc to bring the aircraft onto the final approach path.
Derivation
‘Final’ comes from the Latin finalis, meaning ‘at the end.’ ‘Approach’ comes from the Latin appropriare, ‘to draw near.’ Together they describe the last leg of drawing near to the runway — the point where the aircraft stops maneuvering and commits to the landing path.
Why Pilots Care
Accurate final approach guidance prevents course deviations, reduces missed approach risk, and supports a stabilized descent to the runway.
Intuition Check
Do not read “guidance” as general advice from a chart or controller. Here it means the specific approved navigation path or signal the pilot must follow for the final part of the instrument approach.
Example Sentence 1
After completing the DME arc, the pilot intercepted the inbound course and followed final approach guidance to the runway.
Example Sentence 2
The pilot monitored the approach plate to confirm final approach guidance remained within tolerance.