Definition
A practice low approach is an approach to a runway flown for training purposes, terminating in a go-around or low pass rather than a full-stop landing. The aircraft descends to a low altitude over the runway, then climbs away, allowing the pilot to practice approach and missed-approach procedures without occupying the runway with a landing rollout.
Plain English
A pilot flies an approach to the runway for practice, but instead of landing, they fly low over the runway and then climb back up to do it again or fly somewhere else.
Context Anchor
Seen in FAA abbreviations, NOTAM contractions, flight training, and radio or planning discussions about approaches that will not end in a landing.
Why Pilots Care
Allows repeated practice of approach, landing flare, and go-around skills without the time or fuel required for full-stop landings.
Grounding Statement
Picture flying toward the runway as if to land, staying low over it, then adding power and climbing away before the wheels touch.
Intuition Check
Do not read “approach” here as automatically meaning “landing.” In a practice low approach, the planned result is to stay airborne and climb away.
Example Sentence 1
The instrument student requested a practice low approach so she could fly the ILS down to minimums and then go around.
Example Sentence 2
During the stage check the instructor called for a PLA so the applicant could demonstrate a timely go-around decision.