Definition
A published, FAA-approved series of predetermined maneuvers that allows a pilot to descend by reference to instruments from the en route altitude down to a point near the runway from which a landing can be made visually, or to a point at which a missed approach must be flown. Each SIAP specifies the routes, altitudes, courses, fixes, communications, and minimums required to complete the approach safely.
Plain English
A SIAP is a printed step-by-step plan a pilot flies using cockpit instruments to safely come down through clouds or low visibility and line up with the runway. If the runway can't be seen by the end of the procedure, the plan also tells the pilot how to climb back up and try again or go elsewhere.
Context Anchor
Seen on instrument approach charts, in instrument flight planning, and when deciding whether an airport has an approved approach available in low visibility.
Derivation
‘Instrument’ refers to flying by reference to cockpit instruments rather than outside visual cues. ‘Standard’ means the procedure has been formally designed, tested, and published — every pilot flies it the same way, so ATC and the pilot share the same expectations.
Why Pilots Care
Following the published SIAP keeps the aircraft clear of terrain and obstacles while complying with FAA regulations during low-visibility arrivals.
Grounding Statement
Picture being in cloud near an airport: the SIAP is the published route and altitude plan that guides the aircraft from the sky above the area down toward a safe landing position.
Intuition Check
“Standard” does not just mean common or normal here. It means the approach is officially published and approved for pilots to use as a defined procedure.
Example Sentence 1
Approach cleared us for the SIAP into Runway 27, so we briefed the chart and began descending to the initial approach fix.
Example Sentence 2
During the checkride the examiner cleared the applicant to fly the published SIAP without deviation.