Definition
That part of an instrument approach procedure which commences at the specified final approach fix or point, or where such a fix or point is not specified, at the end of the last procedure turn, base turn, or inbound turn of a racetrack procedure, if specified; or at the point of interception of the last track specified in the approach procedure; and ends at a point in the vicinity of an aerodrome from which: (a) a landing can be made; or (b) a missed approach procedure is initiated.
Plain English
The last segment of an instrument approach. It begins at a defined fix or turn near the airport and ends either at the point you can land or at the point you must go around.
Context Anchor
Seen in instrument approach procedures, approach charts, and air traffic control instructions during the last segment before landing.
Derivation
Final comes from the Latin finalis, meaning 'at the end.' Approach comes from the Latin appropriare, 'to draw near.' Together: the closing portion of drawing near to the runway.
Why Pilots Care
This is the phase where the pilot must be fully configured for landing and prepared to continue to touchdown or execute a missed approach.
Intuition Check
Do not read “final approach” as just any last turn toward the runway. In this ICAO meaning, it is a defined part of a published instrument approach, with a specific start and end.
Example Sentence 1
Crossing the final approach fix, the crew completed the landing checklist and continued the descent on profile.
Example Sentence 2
On final approach the pilot checked that the landing gear was down and locked.