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Aviation glossary

Nonprecision Approach

What is nonprecision approach?

Illustration related to nonprecision approach
Image: Federal Aviation Administration — Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

A nonprecision approach is a standard instrument approach procedure that provides only horizontal (lateral) course guidance to the runway, with no electronic vertical (glideslope) guidance. The pilot uses step-down altitudes to descend safely to a minimum descent altitude (MDA). Think of it as: "left/right guidance only — you control the descent yourself."

Also known as: NPA, nonprecision instrument approach

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