5-11-5

Final Approach Guidance

JO 7110.65BB, Change 3, effective July 9, 2026 · Official text on faa.gov

Issue course guidance, inform the aircraft when it is on course, and frequently inform the aircraft of any deviation from course. Transmissions with aircraft on surveillance final approach should occur approximately every 15 seconds.
Phraseology

HEADING (heading),
ON COURSE,
or
SLIGHTLY/WELL LEFT/RIGHT OF COURSE.

Note

Controllers should not key the radio transmitter continuously during radar approaches to preclude a lengthy communications block. The decision on how often transmitters are unkeyed is the controller's prerogative.
Issue trend information, as required, to indicate target position with respect to the extended runway centerline and to describe the target movement as appropriate corrections are issued. Trend information may be modified by the terms “RAPIDLY” and “SLOWLY” as appropriate.
Example

“Going left/right of course.”
“Left/right of course and holding/correcting.”
Inform the aircraft of its distance from the runway, airport/heliport, or MAP, as appropriate, each mile on final.
Phraseology

(Number) MILE(S) FROM RUNWAY/AIRPORT/HELIPORT OR MISSED APPROACH POINT.
Recommended altitudes must be furnished, if requested, in accordance with paragraph 5-11-1, Altitude Information.
Phraseology

If requested,
ALTITUDE SHOULD BE (altitude).