Continuous Descent Final Approach (CDFA) Calculator

Updated October 2026: METAR lookup is working again. See what's new

This page is an online calculator for pilots planning an instrument approach. JavaScript is required to use the calculator.

New here? Watch the walkthrough video (recorded on an earlier version of the calculator).

• Enter the ICAO identifier for the airport in question.
  This will pull the current METAR data so you can see the current winds and altimeter setting.
• Enter the touchdown zone elevation (TDZE), temperature, altimeter, your airspeed and the wind and crosswind angle.
  The calculator will calculate your true airspeed, headwind and crosswind components and your ground speed on final.
• Enter the distance from the final approach fix (FAF) to the visual descent point (VDP) and how much altitude you need to lose.
  This calculates the descent angle, descent rate in feet per minute and the time from the FAF to the VDP.

The Continuous Descent Final Approach (CDFA) is a technique for flying the final approach segment of an NPA as a continuous descent. The technique is consistent with stabilized approach procedures and has no level-off. A CDFA starts from an altitude/height at or above the FAF and proceeds to an altitude/height approximately 50 feet (15 meters) above the landing runway threshold or to a point where the flare maneuver should begin for the type of aircraft being flown. This definition harmonizes with the ICAO and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

Information about Constant Angle Descent Approaches

• Code7700.com: Continuous Descent Final Approach (CDFA) Instrument Procedures
• FLYING (IFR Magazine): Constant Angle Descent
• Skybrary.aero: Continuous Descent Final Approach (CDFA)
• Darren Smith CFII: Performing a Non-Precision CANPA
• NTSB Safety Alert SA-077: Stabilized Approaches Lead to Safe Landings
• YouTube: How to Fly CDFA Technique
• YouTube: Air Force Flight Standards Agency - Continuous Descent Final Approach CDFA

Reference Information

• FAA AC 120-108A - Continuous Descent Final Approach
• FAA Instrument Procedures Handbook (FAA-H-8083-16B)
• Control your Speed… During Descent, Approach and Landing, Airbus Safety First Magazine, #24, July
• Safely Flying Non-Precision Instrument Approaches
• Flight Safety Foundation - ALAR Briefing Note 7.2 - Constant-Angle Nonprecision Approach
• ICAO Doc 8168 Vol I - Flight Procedures (ICAO store)
• AFMAN 11-202 Vol 3 - Flight Operations
• EASA Easy Access Rules for Air Operations (CDFA: Part-CAT approach flight technique)
• Instrument Approach Categories
  • Based on speed of Vref at maximum certified landing weight. If Vref is not specified, use 1.3 Vso at the maximum certified landing weight.
  • Category A: Speed of less than 91 knots
  • Category B: Speed of 91 knots or more but less than 121 knots
  • Category C: Speed of 121 knots or more but less than 141 knots
  • Category D: Speed of 141 knots or more but less than 166 knots
  • Category E: Speed of 166 knots or more