Same same but different, would probably be an adequate description when comparing a final approach beginning at 3000 ft vs. one at 10’000 ft. There are differences, some more obvious than others. Without proper preparation, chances are you will get a surprise introduction. This article will summarize some key points for long and high final approaches.

Almost 40 years ago, the initial discussions at ICAO level took place to implement Reduced Vertical Separation Minima (RVSM) in some...