An instrument approach procedure may have as many as four separate segments depending on how the approach procedure is structured:

1. Initial Approach- The segment between the initial approach fix and the intermediate fix or the point where the aircraft is established on the intermediate course or final approach course.
2. Intermediate Approach- The segment between the intermediate fix or point and the final approach fix.
3. Final Approach- The segment between the final approach fix or point and the runway, airport, or missed approach point.
4. Missed Approach- The segment between the missed approach point or the point of arrival at decision height and the missed approach fix at the prescribed altitude.

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