Pilot Institute
JANUARY 14, 2025
So, how do pilots manage to land their aircraft safely and accurately without even being able to see where theyre going? The ILS (Instrument Landing System) uses radio signals to help pilots align the aircraft accurately on their approach to a runway. Lets learn more about this system! What Is an ILS Approach?
Ask Captain Lim
JULY 13, 2025
A Safe Descent About 30 minutes before landing, pilots begin preparations for descent, con figuring flaps and briefing the approach. Weather too plays a pivotal role; low visibility may require an Instrument Landing System (ILS) approach, where the plane follows radio signals to the runway.
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Pilot Institute
FEBRUARY 15, 2025
Theyre especially useful for airports that dont have the budget or suitable terrain to install an Instrument Landing System (ILS). This makes more airports accessible under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR). Instead of a Decision Height (DH), youll use something called a Minimum Descent Altitude (MDA). Thats up to you!
Pilot Institute
JANUARY 27, 2025
The Heading Indicator should not be confused with the Horizontal Situation Indicator (HSI), which is an evolution of the Heading Indicator that includes VHF Omnidirectional Range (VOR) and Instrument Landing System (ILS) indications. This information is used to determine altitude, rate of climb or descent (i.e.,
Pilot Institute
NOVEMBER 19, 2024
Unlike an Instrument Landing System (ILS), a VOR approach only provides horizontal guidance. So, you must manage the descent and altitude using the VORs published step-down fixes and minimum descent altitudes (MDAs). Follow published descent altitudes from the approach chart. Minimum descent altitude.
Pilot Institute
OCTOBER 17, 2024
Airports with precision instrument landing systems (ILS), like Heathrow, often pair PAPI with ILS to provide pilots with extra visual confirmation during approaches, especially in bad weather or at night. Conclusion VASI and PAPI lights help you with your landings. Safe landings!
Pilot Institute
DECEMBER 4, 2024
VNAV adds automated vertical guidance to approaches, reducing pilot workload during descents. Explaining Each in Simple Terms) LPV, LNAV, and VNAV are three navigation types that provide Global Positioning System (GPS) based instrument approach guidance for your aircraft. LNAV provides basic horizontal guidance using GPS.
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