Landing approaches: types and explanation of each

📋 Introduction

The landing approach is the final stage of flight when the aircraft descends and levels out to land on the runway. In modern aviation, there are several types of approaches, which differ in the equipment used, accuracy and minimum weather conditions. Let's look at the main types of approaches in simple terms.

👁 1. Visual Approach

What is it:

The simplest type of approach is when the pilot sees the runway with his eyes and lands, orienting himself visually.

How it works:

The pilot looks out the window and directs the plane to the runway

No special equipment required

Used in good weather

When to use:

Excellent visibility

Day or night (with good airfield lighting)

No clouds on the way to the runway

💡 In simple words:

It's like parking a car - you see a space, you drive and park.

📡 2. ILS (Instrument Landing System) - Instrument Landing System

What is it:

The most common precision approach system. There are radio beacons on the ground that create a “corridor” for the aircraft.

How it works:

Localizer (LOC) - shows left-right deviation from the center of the strip

Glideslope (G/S) - shows the deviation up and down from the correct glide path (usually 3°)

The pilot (or autopilot) follows the arrows and keeps them centered

📊 ILS categories:

CAT I - you can land with visibility from 550m and cloud height from 60m

CAT II - visibility from 300m, cloud height from 30m (autopilot required)

CAT III - you can land almost blindly (CAT IIIC - no visibility at all)

💡 In simple words:

Imagine that an invisible pipe leads to the strip. The plane flies along this pipe, and the instruments show whether it has deviated from the center.

🛰 3. RNAV/RNP (GPS approaches)

What is it:

Modern approaches based on GPS/GNSS satellite navigation.

How it works:

The plane knows its exact position via GPS

The approach trajectory is stored in the database (like a route in a navigator)

The autopilot or pilot follows this trajectory

📱 Types:

RNAV (GNSS) - basic GPS approach, non-precise (like NDB/VOR)

RNP APCH - more accurate, with navigation accuracy control

RNP AR - ultra-precise, allows complex maneuvers in the mountains

✅ Benefits:

No need for ground beacons

You can make curved trajectories (fly around mountains, cities)

Works anywhere there is GPS

💡 In simple words:

Like a navigator in a car, the satellites know where you are and guide you along the desired route to the runway.

📻 4. VOR/DME Approach

What is it:

Approach using ground-based VOR (direction) and DME (distance) beacons.

How it works:

VOR transmits radials (beams) in all directions

The plane adjusts to the desired radial and flies along it

DME shows distance to beacon

The pilot descends according to a pattern at certain points

💡 In simple words:

How to follow a compass: “Go north 5 kilometers, then turn east.” VOR is a compass, DME is a pedometer.

🔊 5. NDB Approach

What is it:

Old system using non-directional beacons.

How it works:

NDB transmits radio signals in all directions

The ADF arrow on an airplane always points to the beacon

The pilot adjusts the course taking into account the wind

⚠️ Disadvantages:

Inaccurate system

Subject to interference (thunderstorms, mountains)

Obsolete and gradually being phased out

💡 In simple words:

How to follow the sound - you hear where the bell is ringing, and you go there. But if the wind blows to the side, you may miss.

🎯 6. LPV (Localizer Performance with Vertical Guidance)

What is it:

GPS approach with vertical guidance - "GPS version of ILS".

How it works:

Uses GPS + SBAS correction system (WAAS, EGNOS)

Gives accuracy close to ILS CAT I

Shows both horizontal and vertical deviation

⭐️ Benefits:

No need for ILS on the ground

Almost ILS-like accuracy

Cheaper to install for airports

💡 In simple words:

An improved GPS approach that works almost as accurately as ILS but does not require expensive equipment on the ground.

🚀 7. GLS (GBAS Landing System)

What is it:

The latest GPS-based landing system with ground correction station.

How it works:

Ground station corrects GPS signal

Higher accuracy than ILS

Can replace ILS CAT II/III

🔮 Status:

Not widespread yet

Used at some major airports

The future of aviation

💡 In simple words:

Super-accurate next-generation GPS locator that can work even in very bad weather.

📞 8. PAR (Precision Approach Radar) - Radar guidance

What is it:

The controller on the ground sees the plane on the radar and uses his voice to tell the pilot where to fly.

How it works:

Dispatcher: “You’re a little to the right, turn 2 degrees left.”

Dispatcher: “You are above the glide path, increase your descent.”

The pilot follows commands

🎖 When to use:

Military aviation

Emergency situations

Equipment failure on the plane

💡 In simple words:

Like when a friend helps you park: “One more meter back... stop... a little to the left...”

✈️ Conclusion

Modern aviation uses a variety of approach systems - from simple visual approach to highly accurate automatic systems. The choice of system depends on:

🌦 Weather conditions

🏢 Airport equipment

✈️ Aircraft equipment

👨‍✈️ Crew qualifications

📈 Trend: Aviation is gradually moving from ground-based radio beacons (VOR, NDB, ILS) to satellite systems (RNAV, LPV, GLS) - they are cheaper, more flexible and more accessible for remote airports.

🎮 For flight simmers

In X-Plane and MSFS you can practice all these types of approaches! Start with visuals, then master ILS, and then move on to modern RNAV approaches. This will significantly increase the realism of your flights.