Instrument Rating Checkride Practice Test

What type of approaches provide both lateral and vertical guidance?

1. Non-precision approaches

2. Precision approaches

3. Situational approaches

4. Visual flight approaches

The correct answer is: Precision approaches

Precision approaches provide both lateral and vertical guidance to pilots during the landing phase of an aircraft's approach to the runway. These approaches utilize advanced navigation systems, specifically the Instrument Landing System (ILS), which includes both a localizer for lateral guidance and a glide slope for vertical guidance. This dual guidance allows for a much more precise approach path, enabling pilots to align the aircraft correctly with the runway and descend at a controlled rate. In contrast, non-precision approaches only offer lateral guidance, typically through means like VOR, NDB, or RNAV systems without a defined glide slope. Situational approaches are not a standard term used in aviation, and visual flight approaches rely heavily on visual references rather than instrument guidance. Therefore, precision approaches are essential for safe and accurate landings, particularly in low visibility conditions, allowing pilots to maintain controlled descents while aligning with the runway.