Constant Angle Descent

The opposite of a dive-n-drive descent on an approach is called a Continuous Descent Final Approach, or CDFA. You might think of an ILS as the ultimate CDFA. More specifically, though, this technique is applied to a non-precision approach. So, well use the synonym, Constant Angle Non-Precision Approach (CANPA) for a CDFA on a non-precision approach. What are they? Should you fly one?

Key Takeaways:

• A Constant Angle Non-Precision Approach (CANPA) is a technique for non-precision approaches that involves maintaining a continuous, constant-angle descent from the Final Approach Fix (FAF) to the Minimum Descent Altitude (MDA), significantly reducing pilot workload and increasing stability compared to traditional "dive-n-drive" methods.
• Pilots execute a CANPA by calculating and maintaining a precise descent rate based on groundspeed, while actively monitoring their progress to ensure clearance of any intermediate stepdown fixes.
• Obstacle clearance below the MDA is not guaranteed on non-precision approaches, requiring pilots to verify visual area clearance; general aviation pilots should also use a buffer above the published MDA to prevent inadvertently descending below minimums on a missed approach, as treating MDA as a Decision Altitude (DA) is not generally authorized.
• Many non-precision approaches have visibility minimums that make a "normal rate of descent" from the MDA to the runway impossible once the runway is in sight, often necessitating a missed approach even if the runway environment is acquired at minimums.

Key takeaways sponsored by Aviator Pro | Start Your Training ->

See a mistake? Contact us.