Definition
The descent profile flown from the final approach fix down to the runway or missed approach point on an instrument approach, depicted on the profile view of an approach chart as a sloped line showing required altitudes at specified fixes or distances.
Plain English
The up-and-down part of the approach — how high you should be at each point as you come down toward the runway.
Context Anchor
Seen on instrument approach charts, especially in the profile view, where the pilot reads the side-view picture of the descent toward the runway.
Why Pilots Care
Staying on the published vertical approach path provides obstacle clearance and produces a stabilized descent for a safe landing.
Grounding Statement
Picture the approach chart from the side: the vertical approach path is the sloping line the airplane is expected to follow down toward the runway.
Intuition Check
Do not think of “path” as just a line drawn on the chart. Here it means a planned descent the aircraft must fly in height as well as distance.
Example Sentence 1
He stayed on the vertical approach path by crossing each stepdown fix at the charted altitude.
Example Sentence 2
A deviation above or below the vertical approach path requires an immediate correction or a missed approach.