Instrument Rating Checkride Practice Test

Which component of an ILS provides visual information?

1. Marker Beacon

2. Localizer

3. Approach lights

4. Distance Measuring Equipment

The correct answer is: Approach lights

The component of an Instrument Landing System (ILS) that provides visual information is the approach lights. Approach lights are a series of light systems that extend outward from the runway, aimed at guiding a pilot visually during the final approach to landing. They assist with situational awareness and help pilots transition from instrument flight rules (IFR) to visual flight rules (VFR) as they approach the runway. Marker beacons provide audio and visual cues at specific points along the approach path, but they do not offer a visual representation of the runway environment itself. The localizer helps align the aircraft with the runway centerline, but it only provides lateral guidance, not visual cues. Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) aids in determining how far the aircraft is from the navigational aid, but it also lacks visual components that assist during approach. In summary, approach lights play a critical role during landing by alerting pilots to the runway environment visually, making them the correct choice.