Definition
An instrument approach procedure that provides a published descent profile from cruise altitude down to a point near the runway, designed to permit a continuous, fuel-efficient descent. It typically specifies altitudes, speeds, and a sequence of fixes leading to the final approach segment, and may be issued by ATC in lieu of a vector or standard descent clearance.
Plain English
A pre-published descent path that takes you from high altitude smoothly down toward a specific runway, with the altitudes and speeds already worked out so you can come down in one steady glide instead of step-downs.
Context Anchor
Seen in arrival and approach planning, especially when an IFR arrival is tied to a specific landing runway.
Derivation
"Profile" comes from the Italian profilo, meaning a side view or outline. Here it refers to the side-on shape of the descent path — the altitudes and distances drawn as a vertical slice from cruise down to the runway.
Why Pilots Care
Reduces community noise complaints, improves approach stability, and helps meet airport-specific arrival restrictions.
Grounding Statement
Picture the arrival from the side: the Runway Profile Descent is the planned sloping line from higher altitude down toward the landing runway.
Intuition Check
Do not read “profile” as a general summary or description. Here it means the planned vertical shape of the descent path. A Runway Profile Descent is not permission to descend however you want; it is flown within the clearance and any published restrictions.
Example Sentence 1
Center cleared us for the Runway Profile Descent to runway 26L, so we pulled the throttles back and started a smooth descent following the published altitudes.
Example Sentence 2
By flying the runway profile descent the crew met the airport's noise curfew without needing to add power on final.