Skip to content

5.5 Final Approach Intercept

5.5.1 General

Final approach intercept is the process of positioning an aircraft onto the final approach track.

The Approach Controller shall ensure that aircraft are established on final in a stable, controlled, and correctly spaced manner.

5.5.2 Objectives

The Approach Controller shall:

  • Establish aircraft on the final approach track or localiser
  • Ensure correct spacing with preceding traffic
  • Deliver a stable approach profile
  • Prepare the aircraft for transfer to Tower

5.5.3 Intercept Requirements

The Approach Controller shall:

  • Issue final turn at an appropriate distance from the localiser
  • Use an intercept angle appropriate to aircraft position and speed
  • Avoid excessive intercept angles

Intercept angle shall normally be:

  • 20°–30°, and
  • Shall not exceed 45°

5.5.4 Spacing on Final

The Approach Controller shall:

  • Achieve required spacing prior to final intercept
  • Prevent compression of traffic on final
  • Adjust spacing using vectoring and speed control

Spacing shall not rely on last-minute corrections.

5.5.5 Stability of Approach

The Approach Controller shall ensure that:

  • Aircraft are established on final approach before landing clearance is issued (where applicable)
  • Minimal heading corrections are required after intercept
  • Excessive speed changes are avoided
  • The aircraft can maintain a stable descent profile

5.5.6 Timing of Final Turn

The Approach Controller shall:

  • Turn aircraft onto final early enough to achieve a stable intercept
  • Avoid late turns that result in high intercept angles
  • Ensure smooth capture of the final approach track

Late final turns shall be avoided.

5.5.7 Transfer to Tower

The Approach Controller shall:

  • Transfer aircraft to Tower once established on final approach
  • Ensure spacing is suitable for Tower operations
  • Avoid transferring aircraft in unstable or compressed situations

5.5.8 Limitations

The Approach Controller shall not:

  • Issue late or excessive turns onto final
  • Allow spacing to reduce below required minima
  • Create unstable approach profiles
  • Transfer aircraft before stable conditions are achieved

5.5.9 Key Principle

Final approach intercept shall be stable, predictable, and correctly spaced.

The Approach Controller shall:

  • Plan ahead
  • Turn early
  • Deliver stable approaches

A correct intercept results in minimal correction and safe transfer to Tower.