approach
uh-PROTCH
/əˈprəʊtʃ/
The phase of flight in which an aircraft glides down toward landing on a runway, or the specific flight path followed during this phase.
In aviation, an approach follows precise published procedures (instrument approach or visual approach) before touchdown.
The story behind the word. From Old French 'aprochier', from Late Latin 'appropiare' (ad- 'to' + prope 'near'). Aviation adopted the noun in early 20th century to designate the final descending path toward an airfield.
Word relationships
- descent path: Descent path refers broadly to lowering elevation, whereas approach is the designated phase immediately preceding landing.
- departure: Departure refers to taking off and climbing away from an airport.
Commonly confused with
- arrival: Arrival is the overall inbound route into the airport region; approach is the final alignment toward the runway.
Word family
- approaching (adjective): Coming nearer in distance or time.
Collocations
- final approach
- instrument approach
- missed approach
- approach control
Example sentences
- "Flight three-two-one is established on final approach for runway zero-nine right." Landing clearance
- "Heavy wind shear forced the crew to abandon the approach and execute a go-around." Adverse weather
Memory hook
APPROACHing the runway means coming close to landing. Final descent to land.
When not to use
In flight contexts, do not use 'approach' to refer to departure or climb phases.
Fun facts
- An instrument approach allows trained pilots to land safely even when heavy fog hides the runway until seconds before touchdown.
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