Definition
An approach over an airport or runway following an instrument approach or a VFR approach, including the go-around maneuver, where the pilot intentionally does not touch down. Unless otherwise authorized by ATC, the aircraft must remain on the runway heading and may not descend below approximately 500 feet above the airport elevation.
Plain English
Flying down toward a runway as if to land, then climbing away without ever touching the wheels down. The pilot stays lined up with the runway and does not descend lower than about 500 feet above the field unless ATC says otherwise.
Context Anchor
Used in tower instructions, training flights, practice approaches, and situations where a pilot approaches the runway but is not planning to land.
Why Pilots Care
Allows safe practice of approach and go-around procedures while verifying runway conditions without committing to landing.
Intuition Check
A low approach is not simply any low flight near an airport. In this FAA use, it means an approach to a runway with no touchdown, followed by a climb-away or go-around.
Example Sentence 1
After completing the practice ILS, the pilot requested a low approach and then climbed back to the traffic pattern altitude.
Example Sentence 2
ATC cleared the pilot for a low approach so the crew could visually inspect the runway surface.