What is a point-in-space approach?

• A. A type of helicopter instrument approach procedure to a missed approach point more than 2,600 feet from an associated helicopter landing area.
• B. A fixed-wing approach using a two-dimensional glide path.
• C. A visual approach that begins at a geographical point in space.
• D. A standard instrument approach with a fixed runway alignment.

Answer: (B)

A point-in-space approach centers on guiding a fixed-wing aircraft to a defined point near the landing area by following a glide path that provides guidance in two dimensions: the horizontal course to the point and the vertical descent along the glide path. This means you’re not simply flying directly to the runway centerline from the start; instead, you’re steered along a predefined descent path to a specific point in space from which you can continue the landing, either by continuing the instrument portion or transitioning to a visual segment. This emphasizes using an instrument-guided glide path to reach a precise point near the airport, rather than a purely visual approach or a helicopter-specific procedure.