An approach plate is a standardized chart that gives pilots all the information needed to fly a specific instrument approach to a runway. It shows the approved path, altitudes, frequencies, missed approach procedure, and the minimum visibility required to land.
How It Works#
Each approach plate corresponds to one specific procedure at one specific airport. A busy airport may have a dozen or more plates, one for each runway and approach type. Instrument Landing System (ILS) approaches, VHF Omnidirectional Range (VOR) approaches, and GPS approaches each get their own plate.
The plate is divided into distinct sections. The top section contains the procedure name, the controlling agency, frequencies, and navigation aid identifiers. The plan view (the bird's-eye map in the middle) shows the approach path, fixes, and any relevant airspace. The profile view below it shows the descent path as seen from the side.
At the bottom, you find the minimums table. This lists the Decision Altitude (DA) or Minimum Descent Altitude (MDA), depending on the approach type. It also lists Runway Visual Range (RVR), which is the distance a pilot can see down the runway, measured in feet. A pilot cannot descend below the published minimum unless the runway environment is in sight.
Approach plates in the United States are published by the FAA as part of the Terminal Procedures Publication (TPP). Jeppesen, a private company, publishes its own widely used alternative format. Both are updated on a 28-day cycle to reflect any changes to procedures or airspace.
Example in Aviation#
A regional airline crew is shooting an ILS approach to Runway 28L in low visibility. The first officer pulls up the ILS 28L approach plate and briefs the captain: the localizer frequency is 110.9 MHz, the glideslope intercept altitude is 2,000 feet, and the DA is 200 feet above touchdown. The captain confirms the missed approach point and the required RVR of 1,800 feet.
During the descent, the tower reports RVR at 2,200 feet. The crew continues the approach and spots the runway lights just before reaching the DA. They land safely, having followed the plate exactly as charted.
Why It Matters#
Approach plates are the backbone of instrument flying. Without them, a pilot has no approved reference for the altitudes, headings, and timing required to navigate safely in cloud or low visibility. Every instrument-rated pilot must be able to read, brief, and execute an approach plate accurately.
For students working toward an instrument rating, learning to interpret approach plates is a core skill. Understanding the layout and logic of each section builds the foundation for safe operations in the National Airspace System (NAS) and in international airspace under ICAO standards.
Key Takeaways#
- An approach plate provides all navigation data needed to fly one specific instrument approach.
- Each plate includes minimums, frequencies, the missed approach procedure, and RVR requirements.
- The minimums table lists the lowest altitude and visibility a pilot may use.
- US plates are published by the FAA every 28 days; Jeppesen publishes a widely used alternative.
- Pilots must brief the approach plate before beginning any instrument approach procedure.