Definition
An instrument approach flown in its entirety from the initial approach fix (IAF) through all published segments — initial, intermediate, and final — without ATC vectors shortening or replacing any portion of the published procedure. The pilot navigates the procedure as charted, including any required course reversal such as a procedure turn or holding pattern in lieu of procedure turn.
Plain English
Flying the instrument approach exactly as it is drawn on the chart, starting from the published beginning point and following every step, instead of being guided onto it partway through by a controller.
Context Anchor
Used in instrument flying when a pilot is cleared to fly the published approach route from the chart, especially when air traffic control is not giving direct guidance onto the final approach path.
Derivation
Approach comes from an old word meaning “to come nearer.” In aviation, an approach is not just getting closer to the airport; it is a specific published path used to descend toward landing. Full keeps its ordinary meaning of complete, but here it means complete as a procedure, not necessarily complete all the way to touchdown.
Why Pilots Care
A full approach increases workload and flight time compared with a vectored approach and requires the pilot to plan for all published segments.
Intuition Check
A full approach does not simply mean “an approach that ends in a landing.” It means flying the published instrument approach from its authorized start, including the required setup parts before final.
Example Sentence 1
Approach control was closed for the night, so the pilot flew the full approach starting at the IAF and completed the procedure turn before tracking inbound on the final approach course.
Example Sentence 2
Because the pilot requested the full approach, the procedure turn had to be completed before turning inbound.