Definition
The two segments of an instrument approach that lie between the en route phase and the final approach. The initial segment begins at the initial approach fix (IAF) and positions the aircraft onto the approach course. The intermediate segment begins at the intermediate fix (IF) and bridges the initial segment to the final approach fix (FAF), where the aircraft is configured and aligned for the final descent to the runway or heliport.
Plain English
Two of the connected pieces of an instrument approach. The first piece gets you onto the approach path, and the next piece sets you up — slowed down, lined up, and at the right altitude — for the final descent to landing.
Context Anchor
Seen on instrument approach procedures, including copter GPS approaches, before the aircraft begins the final approach portion.
Derivation
‘Initial’ comes from the Latin initialis, meaning ‘at the beginning.’ ‘Intermediate’ comes from the Latin intermedius, meaning ‘in the middle.’ Together they describe the beginning and middle portions of the approach — the parts that come before the final descent.
Why Pilots Care
Understanding these segments ensures the pilot follows the correct altitudes and courses during the approach.
Intuition Check
Do not read “initial” and “intermediate” as casual descriptions meaning “roughly early” and “somewhere in the middle.” Here they are named, published parts of an instrument approach with specific paths and altitude limits.
Example Sentence 1
After crossing the IAF, we flew the initial segment inbound, then began slowing the helicopter as we entered the intermediate segment.
Example Sentence 2
Clearing the initial and intermediate segment allows transition to the final approach segment for landing.