Segments Of An Instrument Approach Procedure


An instrument approach procedure may have as many as four separate segments depending on how the approach procedure is structured.
  1. Initial Approach- The segment between the initial approach fix and the intermediate fix or the point where the aircraft is established on the intermediate course or final approach course. (See ICAO term INITIAL APPROACH SEGMENT.)
  2. Intermediate Approach- The segment between the intermediate fix or point and the final approach fix. (See ICAO term Intermediate Approach Segment.)
  3. Final Approach- The segment between the final approach fix or point and the runway, airport, or missed approach point. (See ICAO term Final Approach Segment.)
  4. Missed Approach- The segment between the missed approach point or the point of arrival at decision height and the missed approach fix at the prescribed altitude. (See ICAO term MISSED APPROACH PROCEDURE.)

Source: Pilot Contoller Glossary (PCG)

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