In aeronautics, the final approach (also called the final leg and final approach leg[1]) is the last leg in an aircraft's approach to landing, when the aircraft is lined up with the runway and descending for landing.[2] In aviation radio terminology, it is often shortened to "final".
In a standard airport landing pattern, which is usually used under visual meteorological conditions (VMC), aircraft turns from base leg to final within one-half to two miles of the airport. For instrument approaches, as well as approaches into a controlled airfield under visual flight rules (VFR), often a "straight-in" final approach is used, where all the other legs are dispensed within. Straight-in approaches are discouraged at non-towered airports in the United States.[3]
- ^ "Aviation Glossary - F". Transport Canada. 14 March 2012. Archived from the original on 18 October 2015. Retrieved 21 August 2012.
- ^ Crane, Dale: Dictionary of Aeronautical Terms, third edition, page 213 and 241. Aviation Supplies & Academics, 1997. ISBN 1-56027-287-2
- ^ "Operations at Non-Towered Airports" (PDF). AOPA. Archived from the original (PDF) on 13 January 2006.