Which ILS component provides vertical guidance to the pilot on approach?

Which ILS component provides vertical guidance to the pilot on approach?

• A. Localizer
• B. Glideslope
• C. Marker Beacons
• D. Approach Lighting

Answer: (B)

The vertical guidance on an ILS approach is provided by the glideslope. It creates a precise descent path to the runway, and the airplane’s instruments show whether you are above or below that path. Following the glideslope keeps you on the correct angle of descent as you approach the runway, until you reach the final approach segment or decision altitude. The other components serve different roles: the localizer provides horizontal guidance to stay on the runway centerline, marker beacons give distance/range information along the approach, and the approach lighting helps with visual acquisition but does not supply vertical guidance.

The vertical guidance on an ILS approach is provided by the glideslope. It creates a precise descent path to the runway, and the airplane’s instruments show whether you are above or below that path. Following the glideslope keeps you on the correct angle of descent as you approach the runway, until you reach the final approach segment or decision altitude.

The other components serve different roles: the localizer provides horizontal guidance to stay on the runway centerline, marker beacons give distance/range information along the approach, and the approach lighting helps with visual acquisition but does not supply vertical guidance.