Definition
That segment of an instrument approach procedure between either the intermediate fix and the final approach fix or point, or between the end of a reversal, racetrack, or dead reckoning track procedure and the final approach fix or point, as appropriate.
Plain English
The middle part of an instrument approach. It links the early arrival portion of the approach to the final descent toward the runway, giving the pilot a stable section to slow down, configure the aircraft, and line up before the final approach begins.
Context Anchor
Seen in instrument approach procedure descriptions and protected-area discussions. The [ICAO] tag means the term is being used in the International Civil Aviation Organization sense.
Derivation
Intermediate comes from the Latin intermedius, meaning 'in the middle.' It marks the segment that sits between the initial and final phases of the approach.
Why Pilots Care
It is the phase in which the aircraft must be properly configured and speed stabilized before entering the final approach.
Grounding Statement
Picture it as the planned bridge between getting into position for the approach and beginning the final path toward landing.
Intuition Check
“Intermediate” does not just mean “somewhere in the middle of the flight.” Here it means a specific, published part of an instrument approach procedure. “Approach” does not mean any arrival near an airport; here it means the formal procedure used to guide the aircraft toward landing when using instruments.
Example Sentence 1
Once established on the intermediate approach segment, the crew lowered the gear and completed the landing checklist.
Example Sentence 2
During the intermediate approach segment the pilot completed the landing checklist and reduced airspeed.