Definition
The last segment of an instrument or visual approach, flown in alignment with the runway centerline from the final approach fix (or the point where the aircraft is established on the inbound course) to the runway threshold or the missed approach point.
Plain English
The straight-in part of the approach, lined up with the runway, where the aircraft descends toward landing.
Context Anchor
Seen in aviation abbreviations, NOTAM-style text, approach discussions, and radio or cockpit references to the last part of landing.
Derivation
From Latin finalis (last) and approach (to come near). It is literally the last leg of coming in to land.
Why Pilots Care
Final approach is the most workload-intensive phase of the approach. Configuration, descent rate, alignment, and airspeed all need to be stable here, and ATC and other traffic expect a predictable path.
Grounding Statement
Picture the airplane turned toward the runway centerline, descending steadily, with landing expected soon—that is final approach.
Intuition Check
Do not read “final approach” as just any late part of the flight. In aviation, it means the specific last approach path toward landing, usually lined up with the runway.
Example Sentence 1
Cessna 5821 Bravo, turn right heading 310, cleared ILS Runway 31 approach, report established on final approach.
Example Sentence 2
ATC cleared the flight to continue on the FNA after confirming the runway in sight.