Which of the following statements is true regarding FAF and FAP usage?

• A. FAF applies to non-precision approaches, FAP applies to precision approaches
• B. FAF applies to precision approaches, FAP applies to non-precision approaches
• C. FAF and FAP both apply to precision approaches
• D. FAF and FAP are interchangeable terms

Answer: (A)

The idea being tested is how the final portion of an instrument approach is marked differently depending on whether vertical guidance is provided. For non-precision approaches, there is no glide path, so the final approach segment is defined from a specific point on the course called the Final Approach Fix. From that fix, you descend to the published minimums using the available lateral guidance. For precision approaches, which include vertical guidance via a glide path, the final segment is defined from the Final Approach Point, the point where you are established on the glide path and continue the descent along that vertical guidance to the runway. Because of this difference, the statement that FAF applies to non-precision approaches and FAP applies to precision approaches correctly describes how these terms are used. The other options would mix up or equate the terminology in ways that don’t fit how final approach segments are defined.