Definition
An instrument approach in which final approach is begun without first having executed a procedure turn. It is not necessarily aligned with the runway, and it is not authorization to make a straight-in landing.
Plain English
An IFR approach where the pilot flies straight onto the final approach segment without performing a procedure turn first. The term refers only to how the approach is flown, not to whether the runway is straight ahead or whether a straight-in landing is approved.
Context Anchor
Seen in instrument approach clearances, approach charts, and discussions of whether a course-reversing turn is required before final approach.
Derivation
“Straight-in” combines “straight,” meaning direct or not curved, with “in,” meaning toward the destination. “Approach” comes from older words meaning “to come nearer.” Together, the phrase points to coming toward the runway without first turning away and back to reverse course.
Why Pilots Care
It reduces approach time, saves fuel, and simplifies the final segment when weather or traffic permits.
Grounding Statement
Picture being positioned so you can join the final approach path directly, instead of first flying out and turning back to line up.
Intuition Check
Do not read “straight-in” as “you must land straight ahead.” Here it means the instrument approach starts final approach without a course-reversing turn; the landing may still be straight in or may not be completed that way.
Example Sentence 1
Because they were arriving on a transition that aligned them with the final approach course, ATC cleared them for the straight-in ILS approach.
Example Sentence 2
The crew briefed the straight-in approach IFR because the weather allowed a direct final without circling.