Straight-In Approach

A straight-in approach is an instrument approach in which the final approach course is aligned within 30° of the runway centreline and the descent can be made from the final approach fix to the runway without making a procedure turn or other course reversal. Many RNAV (GNSS) and ILS approaches are published as straight-in approaches.

Straight-In vs. Circling Approach

• Straight-in: Aircraft aligns directly with the landing runway from the final approach fix — lower minimums, more precise
• Circling approach: Approach course is not aligned with the runway — aircraft flies the instrument approach to MDA then visually manoeuvres to the landing runway at circling minimums (higher than straight-in)

Circling Minimums

When a straight-in approach is not possible (aircraft not aligned within 30° of the runway, or pilot elects to land on a different runway), circling minimums apply. The HAA for circling ensures 300 ft clearance above all obstacles within the circling area radius for the aircraft category.

Related Terms

See also: Final Approach, HAA, MDA.