When can CANPA begin?

• A. Any time
• B. Only at the FAF
• C. After the missed approach
• D. After initiating the go-around

Answer: (B)

CANPA is tied to the final approach portion of an instrument approach, so it must begin when you reach the Final Approach Fix. At the FAF you’re established on the final approach course and cleared to descend toward the runway minimums, with the navigation setup stabilized for the approach. Starting CANPA any earlier would place it outside the final approach segment and could conflict with step-down fixes and altitude constraints. Beginning it after you’ve already initiated a go-around or after a missed approach would place you outside the planned approach flow, making CANPA irrelevant to the ongoing go-around or missed-path procedure. So the only appropriate moment to start CANPA is at the FAF.