Flight planning for IFR flights (033.02)

✈️ 1. Arrival Segment (STAR)

This is the transition from cruise (en route) to the start of the approach.

• Typically flown via a STAR (Standard Arrival Route) or RNAV transition
• Ends at the Initial Approach Fix (IAF)
• Aircraft is descending and being sequenced toward the airport

Visual idea

👉 Think of this like a highway exit ramp guiding aircraft from cruise altitude into the airport flow.

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🧭 2. Initial Approach Segment (IAF → IF)

This segment starts at the IAF.

• Aircraft continues descending
• Gets aligned and positioned for the approach
• Often radar vectors are used at busy airports
• Ends at the Intermediate Fix (IF)

Visual idea

👉 This is where the aircraft is “getting organized” for landing—speed, direction, and descent are adjusted.

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🛬 3. Intermediate Approach Segment (IF → FAF/FAP)

• Starts at the IF (aligned with runway centerline or within ~30°)
• Ends at:
  • FAF (Final Approach Fix) → Non-precision approach
  • FAP (Final Approach Point) → Precision approach
• Aircraft:
  • Slows down
  • Configures (flaps, gear prep)
  • Keeps a shallow descent

💡 Note:

• IF is often not labeled on charts explicitly
• For RNP approaches, a ~10 NM waypoint may act as IAF/IF

Visual idea

👉 This is the “setup phase” before committing to landing.

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🎯 4. Final Approach Segment (FAF/FAP → MAPt)

• Starts at FAF/FAP
• Ends at MAPt (Missed Approach Point)
• Aircraft is:
  • Fully configured (gear down, landing flaps)
  • Following a precise descent path
  • Either:
    • Visual contact → land
    • No visual → go missed

Visual idea

👉 This is the most critical phase—you’re committed to landing unless conditions aren’t met.

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🔄 5. Missed Approach Segment (MAPt onward)

• Starts at the MAPt
• Follow published missed approach procedure
• Ends at a defined point (e.g., altitude, fix, NDB, DME)

⚠️ Important:

• If go-around is initiated before MAPt, you usually:
  • Continue to MAPt first
  • Then follow missed approach path
• This ensures obstacle protection

Visual idea

👉 Think of this as a safe escape route built into every approach.