Plain English Meaning

It is the name of an instrument approach to Runway 36 that uses a simpler, less precise version of a localizer to keep you lined up left and right as you descend toward the runway. It does not provide up-and-down guidance, only side-to-side.

Full Definition

The published title of a non-precision instrument approach procedure that uses a Simplified Directional Facility to provide lateral guidance to Runway 36. An SDF approach gives course guidance only (no glide slope), and the SDF course may be offset from the runway centerline by up to 3 degrees and have a course width of either 6 or 12 degrees, depending on the installation.

Context Anchor

Seen as the title of an instrument approach chart, such as an plate labeled “SDF RWY 36.”