Plain English Meaning

A point on the approach chart that can act as either the start of the approach or as a midway point, depending on how you got there. One fix, two possible jobs.

Full Definition

A single charted fix on an instrument approach that serves two roles depending on how the aircraft arrives at it. When the aircraft enters the approach via that fix from a feeder route or en route structure, it functions as the Initial Approach Fix (IAF), marking the start of the initial approach segment. When the aircraft arrives via a Terminal Arrival Area (TAA) or RNAV transition that delivers it directly into the intermediate segment, the same fix functions as the Intermediate Fix (IF), marking the start of the intermediate approach segment. The dual label IF/IAF on the chart tells the fix is for uses.