Initial Approach Fix

Initial Approach Fix (IAF) is the fix or point that marks the beginning of the initial approach segment of an instrument approach procedure. It is the point where the aircraft transitions from the en-route or arrival phase to the approach phase.

• STARs typically terminate at or near an IAF
• Multiple IAFs may exist for a single approach, allowing arrivals from different directions
• Aircraft must be at or above the published altitude at the IAF
• The initial approach segment leads from the IAF to the intermediate fix (IF)