Definition
A published chart that depicts the step-by-step procedure for transitioning from the en route phase of flight to a landing at a specific runway under instrument flight rules. It shows the navigation aids, courses, altitudes, fixes, minimum descent or decision altitudes, missed approach instructions, and airport details required to fly the approach safely.
Plain English
A single page that tells a pilot exactly how to find the runway and land when they cannot see the airport until they are close. It lays out the headings, altitudes, and key points to fly, in the order to fly them.
Context Anchor
Seen during instrument training, approach briefing, and cockpit use before and during an instrument arrival to an airport.
Why Pilots Care
These charts ensure pilots have a standardized, safe procedure for descending and aligning with the runway when visual references are unavailable.
Intuition Check
An Instrument Approach Procedure chart is not just a general airport map. It is a step-by-step flying plan for one approved instrument approach.
Example Sentence 1
Before starting the descent, the pilot briefed the Instrument Approach Procedure chart for the ILS to Runway 27.
Example Sentence 2
During the briefing, the crew confirmed the minimum descent altitude listed on the Instrument Approach Procedure chart.