Instrument Rating Checkride Practice Test

What type of approach does an ILS belong to?

1. Non-precision approach

2. Visual approach

3. Precision approach

4. Enhanced approach

The correct answer is: Precision approach

An Instrument Landing System (ILS) is classified as a precision approach because it provides both lateral and vertical guidance to the pilot during the final phases of landing. This system utilizes radio signals to create a well-defined path to the runway, allowing pilots to accurately follow this path even in low visibility conditions. The ILS features a localizer that helps with horizontal alignment and a glide slope that guides descent at the correct angle. Precision approaches, like those using ILS, are critical for ensuring a safe landing, especially in environments with poor visibility, since they are capable of guiding the aircraft almost all the way to the runway under specific conditions. In contrast, non-precision approaches rely on navigational aids that offer lateral guidance only and often require visual confirmation by the pilot at lower altitudes. Visual approaches, on the other hand, require pilots to have visual reference to the airport or runway before making the landing, and enhanced approaches typically utilize advanced technologies but do not provide the same level of precision as an ILS.