What is happening at the FAF during an instrument approach?

What is happening at the FAF during an instrument approach?

• A. This is the point where you begin the missed approach.
• B. The final approach begins.
• C. The aircraft is established and stable on the final approach segment and should be configured to land.
• D. The aircraft must be at minimum descent altitude.

Answer: (C)

At the FAF you’re transitioning to the final approach segment. The goal is for the aircraft to be established on the final approach path, aligned with the runway, and in a stable descent with the airplane configured for landing (appropriate flaps, gear as required, and power set for a controlled approach). This setup ensures a predictable, stable path from the FAF to the runway. The missed approach is not triggered at the FAF; you would execute a missed approach only if you reach the decision point or minimums and cannot continue the landing safely. The emphasis at the FAF is on being on a stabilized, properly configured final approach.

At the FAF you’re transitioning to the final approach segment. The goal is for the aircraft to be established on the final approach path, aligned with the runway, and in a stable descent with the airplane configured for landing (appropriate flaps, gear as required, and power set for a controlled approach). This setup ensures a predictable, stable path from the FAF to the runway.

The missed approach is not triggered at the FAF; you would execute a missed approach only if you reach the decision point or minimums and cannot continue the landing safely. The emphasis at the FAF is on being on a stabilized, properly configured final approach.