final approach segment

The segment of an instrument approach procedure in which the alignment and descent for landing are accomplished (ICAO). It begins at the final approach fix and ends at the missed approach point. The final approach can be to a runway for a straight-in landing or to an aerodrome for a visual maneuver. In the case of a precision approach (instrument/microwave landing system—ILS/MLS), the final approach segment begins at the final approach point. This is a point in space on the centerline of the localizer, or the MLS, azimuth specified for the final approach track where the intermediate approach altitude or height intersects the nominal glide-path, or MLS, elevation angle. Generally, this happens at heights from 300 m (1000 ft) to 900 m (3000 ft) above the runway elevation. In that case, on a 3° glide-path, or MLS, elevation angle, interception occurs between 9 km (3 NM) and 19 km (10 NM) from the threshold. Descent below the fix crossing altitude, or height, should not be made prior to crossing the fix.

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References in periodicals archive

Approach procedures are named according to the type of navigation system used to provide lateral guidance in the final approach segment (such as VOR, NDB, ILS, LOC, or RNAV).

READING THE FINE PRINT

When the weather's at minimums, is the final approach segment really the best time to call Unicom about the rental car?

Nine rules to help you avoid the rabbit hole of distraction

It also assists the flight crew in properly timing the deceleration to final approach speed, configuring the aircraft for landing and properly spacing aircraft on the final approach segment just prior to landing.

Inside Air Travel

COSUV marks the beginning of the final approach segment on the full ILS--note the lightning bolt.

WALLA WALLA WINE

Misinterpreting this rule might have prompted the following addition to AC 90-66, "pilots conducting instrument approaches should be particularly alert for other aircraft in the pattern so as to avoid interrupting the flow of traffic, and should bear in mind they do not have priority over other VFR traffic." The confusion could arise from final approach to land versus final approach segment.

PARTY IN THE PATTERN

While you're on downwind, look ahead and below and visualize the final approach segment. I used to tell my students, while on downwind, to look at the runway and use it as a yardstick to select a point on the ground to begin the final segment.

Circular patterns: it turns out rounding off the corners is rather easy if you take it step by step

The title of the approach indicates what equipment is required to fly the final approach segment (FAS).

OVERLAY APPROACHES

The final approach segment begins on the FAC 10 nm out.

Course reversals: holds, procedure turns and their siblings all have the same basic purpose: realign the aircraft with the final approach course. Except when they can't

Nav 2 becomes a backup for the final approach segment.

YA GOTTA FLY A DME ARC

When conducted in IMC and the aircraft transitions from IMC to VMC on the IAP's final approach segment prior to or upon reaching MDA or DA/DH.

Logging approaches: recent FAA guidance clarifies when you can log an approach in IMC for practical tests and proficiency

During the final approach segment pilots reference minimums and the missed approach.

KILLER CHARTS: With some chart formats changing, we examine the risks associated with charts. Most are amazingly accurate, but a few charted goofs could be dangerous

As a result of this accident, the vertical descent angle (VDA) for the final approach segment of non-precision approaches began to be included on published instrument approach procedures.

Hard lessons: many rules we fly by resulted from lessons learned the hard way