Definition
A timed approach is an air traffic control procedure used at airports with an operating control tower in which inbound aircraft are spaced for the final approach by assigning each pilot a specific time to depart the final approach fix or holding fix inbound. Each aircraft flies the published instrument approach in sequence based on its assigned time, providing the required separation without radar vectors.
Plain English
Instead of being given headings to fly, each aircraft is given a clock time to begin its approach. Pilots take turns flying the same approach, one after another, with enough time between them to stay safely apart.
Context Anchor
Seen in instrument approach procedures and ATC clearances when aircraft are being sequenced from a holding pattern instead of being turned onto final one at a time.
Derivation
The word 'timed' is the key here -- separation is achieved by the clock rather than by distance or radar spacing. The name simply describes how the spacing is enforced.
Why Pilots Care
Allows safe execution of instrument approaches and proper aircraft spacing when radar or other navigation is limited.
Intuition Check
A timed approach does not mean simply timing any approach with a clock. It means the start of the inbound approach is assigned by time so aircraft can be sequenced safely.
Example Sentence 1
Tower assigned each arriving aircraft a timed approach, with the pilot instructed to depart the holding fix inbound at exactly 1432.
Example Sentence 2
Without DME, the crew used a one-minute timed approach segment before turning inbound.