On a precision approach, the FAF is identified by which symbol?

• A. Lightning bolt
• B. Maltese Cross
• C. Circle with crosshair
• D. Triangle

Answer: (A)

The point where the final approach begins is called the Final Approach Fix. On precision approaches (like ILS or GLS), this FAF is shown with a lightning bolt on the chart. That lightning bolt cue tells you exactly where the final descent on the glide slope starts, separating it from the earlier, intermediate segment and guiding you toward the runway with the published minimums. The Maltese Cross is the symbol used for the FAF on non-precision approaches, so it wouldn’t be correct for a precision approach. The other symbols aren’t used to mark the FAF on precision procedures; they indicate other chart features.