Continuous Descent Final Approach Calculator

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).

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

• Enter the ICAO or FAA identifier for the airport in question.
  This will pull the current METAR data so you can see the current winds and altimeter setting. To find an airport by name or city, use the search button beside the box.
• 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.