Definition
Published charts that depict the prescribed procedures for descending from the en route environment to a point near a runway using instruments alone, when visual reference to the ground is limited or unavailable. Each chart shows the navigation aids, courses, altitudes, fixes, missed approach instructions, minimum descent altitudes or decision altitudes, and required visibility for a specific approach to a specific runway at a specific airport.
Plain English
These are the printed or electronic charts a pilot follows step by step to find and line up with a runway when they cannot see the ground until they are close to it. Each chart lays out exactly what altitudes to fly, what headings to follow, and what to do if the runway is not in sight when they reach the bottom of the approach.
Context Anchor
Pilots use these charts during instrument training, flight planning, approach briefing, and while flying an approach in poor visibility or low clouds.
Why Pilots Care
They contain the precise altitudes, courses, and decision heights pilots must follow to descend safely and land in instrument meteorological conditions.
Intuition Check
Do not read this as just any airport map. An Instrument Approach Procedure Chart is a specific, approved set of instructions for flying toward a runway by reference to instruments.
Example Sentence 1
Before starting the descent, the pilot pulled up the Instrument Approach Procedure Chart for Runway 27 and briefed the minimums and missed approach.
Example Sentence 2
Instrument Approach Procedure Charts include both plan and profile views to help pilots visualize the approach path.