Instrument Rating Checkride Practice Test

What is the width of the glideslope in degrees?

1. 1.0 degrees

2. 1.4 degrees

3. 2.0 degrees

4. 3.0 degrees

The correct answer is: 1.4 degrees

The glideslope typically has a width of about 1.4 degrees, which is critical for ensuring that pilots maintain an appropriate vertical path during the approach to the runway. This width is designed to provide a balance between accommodating various aircraft sizes and ensuring a precise descent angle for landing. While some might assume that a narrower or wider glideslope could be preferable for some conditions, a width of 1.4 degrees has been determined as optimal for standard instrument approaches. This is because it allows for enough margin to accommodate minor deviations while still guiding pilots accurately toward the runway. Understanding this dimension is essential for pilots as they prepare for instrument approaches, ensuring safety and precision during critical landing phases.