Definition
An instrument approach to a runway in which the final approach course is aligned within 30 degrees of the runway centerline, allowing the pilot to land straight ahead from the final approach segment without performing a circling maneuver to reposition the aircraft.
Plain English
An instrument approach that lines you up with the runway so you can fly directly to it and land, instead of having to circle around to line up.
Context Anchor
Seen on instrument approach procedures, in instrument training, and when ATC clears a pilot for an instrument approach that does not require a course reversal.
Why Pilots Care
It allows a more direct and efficient arrival to the airport under instrument conditions when aligned properly.
Intuition Check
Straight-in does not simply mean “land straight ahead.” In this IFR use, it mainly means the final part of the instrument approach is started without first flying a course-reversal maneuver.
Example Sentence 1
Because the final approach course was within 30 degrees of the runway, the pilot flew a straight-in IFR approach to Runway 27.
Example Sentence 2
A straight-in IFR approach was preferred to save time instead of flying the full procedure turn.