The fix from which the final approach (IFR) to an airport is executed and which identifies the beginning of the final approach segment. It is designated on Government charts by the Maltese Cross symbol for nonprecision approaches and the lightning bolt symbol, designating the PFAF, for precision approaches; or when ATC directs a lower-than-published glideslope/path or vertical path intercept altitude, it is the resultant actual point of the glideslope/path or vertical path intercept.

Listed in the Pilot/Controller Glossary as a cross-reference to FINAL APPROACH FIX, whose text is shown above.

Source FAA Pilot/Controller Glossary↗ · checked 2026-08-25