Short Approaches (SHAPP) involve optimizing the flight path during the approach phase to minimize the distance traveled and the time spent at lower altitudes, where fuel consumption is higher.This technique is particularly beneficial at airports where long, circuitous approaches are the norm due to airspace constraints or noise abatement procedures.
It includes any operational technique that reduces the ground distance of the final approach segment. Instead of flying the full published lateral profile (STAR, downwind-base-final, or long visual final), the aircraft turns earlier or shortens the pattern in a controlled manner.
Short approaches are not a single procedure but a family of pilot or ATC-initiated techniques.
What you'll learn: |
A short approach may result from ATC instruction, pilot request, or published procedures. Here are the main techniques used nowadays.
Some fuel analytics platforms, such as SkyBreathe®, can help us quantify the fuel-saving potential of a short approach by analysing thousands of trajectories and comparing the flown approach with historical patterns. These metrics rely on Flight Data Recorder (FDR) data and an AI-based classification of approaches. These metrics rely on Flight Data Recorder (FDR) data and an AI-based classification of approaches. Associated fuel metrics are derived from historical trajectories, for a given set of criteria
Values depend heavily on airport geometry, ATC patterns, runway layout, and aircraft type.