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This glossary is written for virtual airline and flight simulation use within Virtual Air Canada Airline. It is not intended as a real-world aviation reference.
The Final Approach Fix is the specific point on an instrument approach procedure where the final approach segment begins. It marks the transition from the intermediate approach segment, and it is the point at which the aircraft should be established at the correct approach configuration, airspeed, and altitude before descending toward the runway. On a precision approach such as an ILS, the FAF is typically defined by the point where the glide slope is intercepted at the correct altitude. On non-precision approaches, the FAF is a defined fix (often a VOR, NDB, waypoint, or DME fix) depicted on the approach chart. Crossing the FAF is a critical event in the approach sequence. It signals the crew to complete the final approach checklist, confirm the aircraft is configured for landing, and begin the final descent. Below the FAF, go-around considerations become time-sensitive. Approach charts clearly mark the FAF with a Maltese cross symbol (on non-precision approaches) or indicate it as the glide slope intercept point on ILS approaches. The distance and altitude at the FAF, along with the minimum descent altitude (MDA) or decision altitude (DA), are central to stabilized approach criteria.

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In Virtual Airline Operations

Virtual pilots flying instrument approaches should brief the FAF as part of the approach review. In FMS-equipped add-ons, the FAF is typically depicted on the vertical profile in the MCDU or FMC, and the aircraft will begin the final descent automatically when the FAF is sequenced if in managed APPR mode. Understanding where the FAF is located helps virtual pilots intervene appropriately if the approach becomes unstabilized.
  • ILS - Instrument Landing System
  • FMS - Flight Management System
  • FMC-FMGC - Flight Management Computer/Flight Management Guidance Computer