---
title: "Instrument approach operation — EASA Definition · Avioverse"
description: "Annex I — Definitions for terms used in Annexes II to IX, Regulation (EU) No 965/2012: ‘instrument approach operation’ means an approach and landing…"
url: "https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/instrument-approach-operation"
---

# instrument approach operation

EASA defines “instrument approach operation” in one regulation. The wording below is reproduced verbatim from the EASA Easy Access Rules, with a link to the paragraph it comes from.

> ‘instrument approach operation’ means an approach and landing using instruments for navigation guidance based on an instrument approach procedure (IAP). There are two methods for executing instrument approach operations:
>
> (a) a two-dimensional (2D) instrument approach operation, using lateral navigation guidance only; and
>
> (b) a three-dimensional (3D) instrument approach operation, using both lateral and vertical navigation guidance;

Annex I — Definitions for terms used in Annexes II to IX · Air Operations · Regulation (EU) No 965/2012 · Easy Access Rules, 27 Mar 2026 revision · [Read the article](https://avioverse.aero/regulations/easa/air-ops/definitions/powers-and-recitals#annex-i-definitions-for-terms-used-in-annexes-ii-to-ix)

## Defined in the same article

- [accelerate-stop distance available (ASDA)](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/accelerate-stop-distance-available)
- [acceptable means of compliance (AMC)](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/acceptable-means-of-compliance)
- [acceptance checklist](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/acceptance-checklist)
- [adequate aerodrome](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/adequate-aerodrome)
- [adequate vertiport](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/adequate-vertiport)
- [adult](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/adult)
- [aerodrome operating minima](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/aerodrome-operating-minima)
- [aided night vision imaging system (NVIS) flight](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/aided-night-vision-imaging-system-flight)