Definition
An approach to a runway under visual flight rules in which the aircraft enters the final approach leg directly, without flying the standard rectangular traffic pattern (downwind and base legs).
Plain English
Lining up with the runway and flying straight to it, instead of joining the usual rectangular pattern around the airport first.
Context Anchor
Used in arrival planning, tower instructions, and pilot radio calls when an aircraft is joining the runway directly from outside the normal landing pattern.
Derivation
Approach comes from a word meaning “to come nearer.” In aviation, it means the part of flight where the aircraft is coming nearer to the runway to land. Straight-in adds that the aircraft is coming in on a direct path rather than by flying around the airport pattern first.
Why Pilots Care
Reduces flight time and fuel use at busy or uncontrolled fields while maintaining safety only when other traffic is absent or coordinated.
Grounding Statement
Picture an airplane already lined up with the runway several miles out, continuing toward the landing end instead of circling around the airport first.
Intuition Check
Straight-in does not mean you have automatic right-of-way or permission to ignore other traffic. It only describes the path to the runway: directly toward the landing end under visual flight rules.
Example Sentence 1
With no other traffic reported, the pilot announced a straight-in VFR approach to Runway 27 and continued inbound on final.
Example Sentence 2
With light winds and clear skies, the instructor approved a straight-in VFR approach to save time on the training flight.