Definition
An instrument approach procedure (IAP) is a series of predetermined manoeuvres published by an aviation authority for the orderly transition of an aircraft from the instrument flight environment to a landing, or to a point from which a landing may be made visually. Instrument approaches are essential for operations in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) — when clouds, fog, rain, or low visibility prevent the pilot from navigating visually. There are two broad categories of instrument approaches: precision approaches, which provide both lateral and vertical guidance (such as the Instrument Landing System, or ILS), and non-precision approaches, which historically provided only lateral guidance (such as VOR or NDB approaches). Modern Performance Based Navigation (PBN) approaches, including RNAV (GPS) and LPV approaches, offer precision-like vertical guidance using satellite-based systems and are increasingly common at training airports. Each instrument approach has defined segments — initial, intermediate, final, and missed approach — with specific altitudes, headings, and distances that the pilot must follow. Decision altitudes (for precision approaches) or minimum descent altitudes (for non-precision approaches) define the lowest point at which the pilot must have the runway environment in sight to continue the landing; otherwise, they must execute the published missed approach procedure.
Why It Matters for Flight Schools
Instrument approach training is a core component of the instrument rating curriculum and a significant portion of the training hours at schools that offer IFR programmes. Students must demonstrate proficiency in multiple types of approaches, including precision and non-precision procedures, as well as missed approaches and holds. The FAA instrument rating practical test standards require the applicant to fly at least two different types of approaches during the checkride. For flight schools, instrument approach training affects scheduling because many approaches require coordination with air traffic control, and practice approaches at busy airports may be subject to delays. Schools located near airports with multiple published approaches and cooperative ATC facilities have a significant advantage in instrument training efficiency.
How Aviatize Handles This
Aviatize tracks instrument approach experience within the training management module, recording the type and number of approaches each student has completed toward their instrument rating requirements. Instructors can log approaches by type (ILS, RNAV, VOR, LOC) directly in the lesson record, and the system tallies them against the minimum requirements. The platform helps instructors plan instrument training flights by showing which approach types a student still needs, allowing them to select airports and routes that will fill those gaps efficiently. This data-driven approach to instrument training planning reduces wasted flight time and helps students reach checkride eligibility faster.