Definition
The categories of instrument approach procedures available to pilots for transitioning from the en route or terminal environment to a landing, classified by the kind of navigation guidance they provide. The two broad groupings are precision approaches, which provide both lateral (course) and vertical (glidepath) electronic guidance to defined minimums, and non-precision approaches, which provide lateral guidance only or, in the case of approaches with vertical guidance (APV), advisory or barometric vertical information that does not meet precision standards. Common examples include ILS, LPV, LNAV/VNAV, LNAV, VOR, NDB, and RNAV (GPS) approaches.
Plain English
The different kinds of instrument approaches a pilot can fly to land, grouped by what kind of guidance the approach gives — side-to-side only, or both side-to-side and up-and-down.
Context Anchor
Seen in instrument procedure training when comparing visual, contact, and instrument approach procedures before flying or accepting an approach clearance.
Derivation
Approach comes from older French and Latin roots meaning to come nearer or draw close. That fits the aviation use: an approach is the part of flight where the aircraft is coming nearer to the airport and setting up to land.
Why Pilots Care
Selecting the right type determines the minimum weather, equipment, and training needed for a safe landing.
Grounding Statement
Imagine needing to line up with a runway in thick fog using only cockpit displays and radio signals.
Intuition Check
Do not read approaches here as just “ways of getting closer.” In this FAA context, types of approaches means approved landing-related procedures with specific rules and responsibilities.
Example Sentence 1
During training, the instructor reviewed the different types of approaches so the student understood when to expect vertical guidance and when to plan for a step-down descent.
Example Sentence 2
Different types of approaches give pilots more options when weather reduces visibility near the runway.