Which flight level is listed as a warning threshold for descents outside the FAF?

Which flight level is listed as a warning threshold for descents outside the FAF?

• A. FL180
• B. FL200
• C. FL240
• D. FL100

Answer: (A)

Descent decisions around the FAF are guided by a guard altitude that you should not descend below before you’re established on the final approach path. This warning threshold protects you from descending too early on the en-route portion, where obstacle clearance and separation from other traffic are critical. In this scenario, the published warning threshold is 18,000 feet (flight level 180). Staying at or above this level until you cross the FAF helps ensure you have sufficient clearance to reach and join the final approach safely. Descending before reaching the FAF could put you below safe altitudes for the terrain and obstacles along the approach, so 18,000 feet is the designated guard against premature descent. Other listed altitudes don’t match the defined boundary for this warning in the procedure, which is why 18,000 feet is the correct threshold.

Descent decisions around the FAF are guided by a guard altitude that you should not descend below before you’re established on the final approach path. This warning threshold protects you from descending too early on the en-route portion, where obstacle clearance and separation from other traffic are critical.

In this scenario, the published warning threshold is 18,000 feet (flight level 180). Staying at or above this level until you cross the FAF helps ensure you have sufficient clearance to reach and join the final approach safely. Descending before reaching the FAF could put you below safe altitudes for the terrain and obstacles along the approach, so 18,000 feet is the designated guard against premature descent.

Other listed altitudes don’t match the defined boundary for this warning in the procedure, which is why 18,000 feet is the correct threshold.