Plain English Meaning

A setting on the navigation computer that the pilot switches to when flying an instrument approach. It makes the course needle more sensitive, so the aircraft can be flown to the runway with much greater precision than during cruise.

Full Definition

A selectable operating mode on an area navigation (RNAV) system used during the final approach phase of an instrument approach. In this mode, the system provides increased course sensitivity and tighter guidance tolerances than the en route or terminal modes, allowing the aircraft to fly a precise track to the runway. On VOR/DME RNAV equipment, selecting approach mode typically narrows the full-scale () to a smaller distance per , so small lateral show up clearly on the .