Definition

1. Noun:
   • The final phase of an aircraft's flight path, beginning from a designated point (often the final approach fix) and ending when the aircraft either touches down on the runway or executes a go-around/missed approach procedure. It involves precise navigation and descent to align with the runway for a safe landing.

Usage

• The term "landing approach" is used specifically in aviation to describe the controlled, descending flight path an aircraft follows to transition from the en-route phase of flight to landing.
• It is a technical, procedural term used by pilots, air traffic controllers, and in aviation manuals and regulations.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The pilot initiated the landing approach ten miles from the airport.
  • During the final landing approach, the crew must complete the pre-landing checklist.
  • Air Traffic Control cleared the aircraft for a visual landing approach to runway 27L.

Advanced Usage

• "to be on final landing approach": This specifies the very last, straight-in segment of the approach, directly aligned with the runway centerline.
  • The aircraft is now on final landing approach and will land in two minutes.
• "to execute a landing approach": To carry out or perform the procedure of approaching to land.
  • The crew will execute a landing approach using the Instrument Landing System (ILS).

Variants and Related Words

• Approach (n): In aviation, this is often used synonymously with "landing approach," though "approach" can be more general. "Cleared for the approach" is a standard ATC instruction.
• Final Approach (n): The last segment of the landing approach.
• Missed Approach (n): A predefined maneuver performed by a pilot when a landing cannot be safely completed during a landing approach.
• Instrument Approach (n): A landing approach conducted primarily by reference to flight instruments, under IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) conditions.
• Visual Approach (n): A landing approach conducted by visual reference to the terrain, under VFR (Visual Flight Rules) conditions.

Synonyms

• Approach path: The specific trajectory flown during the landing approach.
• Descent to land: A descriptive phrase for the action.

Related Phrases

• To break off the approach: To discontinue the landing approach procedure before completion.
  • Due to wind shear, the pilot decided to break off the approach and try again.
• To go around: To initiate a missed approach procedure, abandoning the landing.
  • The aircraft was too high and fast, so the controller instructed them to go around.

Related Idioms

• "On approach": A common aviation idiom meaning the aircraft is in the process of conducting a landing approach.
  • Flight 101 is on approach and will be on the ground shortly.

Noun

1. the approach to a landing field by an airplane