Plain English Meaning

The official, charted step-by-step procedures pilots follow to line up with and descend toward a runway when they cannot rely on seeing outside.

Full Definition

Published instrument approach procedures developed by the FAA (or another approving authority) that specify the routes, altitudes, course guidance, and minimums a pilot must follow to descend safely from en route flight to a point near the runway when flying solely by reference to instruments. Each SIAP is depicted on an approach chart and is flown using ground-based or satellite-based navigation aids.

Context Anchor

Seen during , approach , and when selecting an for an .