Non-Precision Approach

Non-Precision Approach (NPA) is an instrument approach procedure that provides lateral (azimuth) guidance but does not include an electronic glidepath. The pilot must manage the vertical descent using step-down fixes and a Minimum Descent Altitude (MDA), not a Decision Height.

• Examples: VOR approach, NDB approach, localizer-only (LOC) approach
• LNAV approaches on RNAV (GPS) are categorized as NPA
• Dive-and-drive: legacy technique of descending to MDA and flying level — now discouraged
• CDFA (Continuous Descent Final Approach): modern technique using a stabilized descent to MDA
• Higher minima than precision approaches