The Final Approach Fix (FAF) marks what in the instrument approach procedure?

• A. The beginning of the final approach segment
• B. The point of initial contact with the runway
• C. The start of climb-out after missed approach
• D. The beginning of the en route segment

Answer: (A)

In instrument approaches, flight is divided into segments, and the Final Approach Fix is the point where you transition onto the published final approach course. From there you descend along the final approach path toward the runway and continue to the point where a landing decision is made or a missed approach is initiated. That’s why this marks the beginning of the final approach segment.

The point you reach when you first touch down is the runway; the start of climb-out after a missed approach is the missed approach phase; and the en route segment is the portion of the flight between the en route portion and the approach.