Continuous Descent Final Approach (CDFA) Calculator

Rocky Mountain Flight Training Center

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

Info Decode METAR

Feet Meters

°C °F

Inches hPa

Knots MPH

Knots from runway heading


Knots

Knots

Knots


Knots

NM  Distance to travel, normally the FAF to the VDP.

feet  Altitude to lose. Altitude Calculator:  High Low TCH Add to Low

-2.99º

317 feet per minute

318 seconds

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Information about Constant Angle Descent Approaches

Reference Information

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