Definition
The stage of approach planning that takes place after the aircraft is airborne and en route, during which the pilot reviews, updates, and finalizes the details of the instrument approach to be flown at the destination. It includes obtaining current weather and NOTAMs, selecting and briefing the expected approach procedure, reviewing minimums and missed approach procedures, and configuring avionics and charts for the arrival.
Plain English
The part of approach planning a pilot does while flying, getting ready for the arrival. It is when you check the latest weather, decide which approach you will fly, and set up the cockpit so you are ready when you reach the airport.
Context Anchor
Seen in instrument approach planning, especially as the aircraft gets closer to the destination airport and the pilot prepares for the arrival and approach.
Why Pilots Care
Allows pilots to adapt to changing conditions and ensures all required information is current before committing to an approach.
Grounding Statement
As the aircraft nears the destination, the pilot checks the latest information and turns the earlier plan into the specific approach plan that will be flown.
Intuition Check
Do not read this as starting all planning from scratch while airborne. It means updating, confirming, and preparing the approach plan in flight using the information available now.
Example Sentence 1
During the in-flight planning phase, the pilot pulled the latest ATIS, briefed the ILS approach, and set the missed approach altitude in the autopilot.
Example Sentence 2
Skipping a thorough in-flight planning phase can lead to last-minute confusion when cleared for the approach.