Final Approach Fix

FAF (Final Approach Fix) is the fix from which the final approach segment of an instrument approach procedure begins. At the FAF, the aircraft begins its final descent toward the runway at the prescribed glide path angle or descent gradient.

On precision approaches (ILS), the FAF is typically where the glide slope is intercepted (shown by a lightning bolt symbol on approach charts). On non-precision approaches, the FAF is identified by a Maltese cross symbol and marks the point where the pilot descends from the intermediate approach altitude to the MDA.