Definition
The segment of an instrument approach procedure in which alignment and descent for landing are accomplished. It begins at the final approach fix or point and ends at the missed approach point. During this segment the aircraft is established on the final approach course and descending toward the runway or the minimum descent altitude/decision altitude.
Plain English
The last part of an instrument approach, where the aircraft is lined up with the runway and descending to land. It runs from a defined starting point on the chart down to the point where, if the runway is not in sight, the pilot must go around.
Context Anchor
Seen on instrument approach charts, in IFR clearances, and during instrument approach briefings.
Derivation
"Final" comes from the Latin finalis, meaning last or concluding. "Approach" comes from the Latin appropriare, to draw near. Together they describe the last drawing-near segment before landing. "IFR" distinguishes this from the visual final approach flown in VFR traffic patterns.
Why Pilots Care
This segment requires precise configuration, speed control, and descent management to safely reach the runway or execute a missed approach.
Intuition Check
Do not read “final approach” here as just “the last few seconds before landing.” In IFR use, it is a defined segment of the published procedure with a specific start point and end point.
Example Sentence 1
Crossing the final approach fix, the pilot began descent on the final approach segment toward the runway.
Example Sentence 2
During the IFR final approach the crew maintained the glidepath to decision altitude.