Instrument Rating Checkride Practice Test

What does the glide slope indicate in an ILS approach?

1. Vertical guidance

2. Lateral guidance

3. Speed adjustments

4. Altitude restrictions

The correct answer is: Vertical guidance

The glide slope provides vertical guidance during an Instrument Landing System (ILS) approach, aiding pilots in maintaining the correct descent path toward the runway. It is part of the precision approach system that helps ensure that aircraft approach at the correct angle—typically around 3 degrees. This vertical guidance is crucial for safely navigating through potentially low visibility conditions, as it directs the pilot on how to adjust their altitude while descending. Lateral guidance, on the other hand, is provided by the localizer component of the ILS, which helps the pilot align the aircraft with the centerline of the runway. Options related to speed adjustments or altitude restrictions do not directly pertain to what the glide slope indicates; instead, these concepts pertain to flight management and safe landing practices during the descent phase. Therefore, the role of the glide slope specifically pertains to ensuring that a pilot is on the correct vertical path throughout the approach.