IFR Approach Types. 2025/2026. 100%.
Definition of RNAV approach:
aRea NAVigation. Typically uses GPS systems to guide you from point to point, and shoot an accurate
approach.
name some precision approaches:
ILS: instrument landing system.
GLS: GBAS landing system. (ground based approach system)
MLS: microwave landing system.
PAR: precision approach radar.
ILS vs GLS: GLS is nearly identical to the pilot as an ILS, except the pilot puts in a 5 digit code, instead
of a radio frequency.
ILS vs. MLS: Almost identical in the cockpit, but MLS requires different (more expensive) ground
equipment and receiver equipment in the plane.
What is a PAR approach.
PAR approach is a precision approach radar approach. 2 radars sense the planes vertical and lateral
position. Mainly found at military bases.
A controller gives you accurate instructions to keep you aligned with extended centerline of runway
down to DH/DA. At that point, controller guidance is advisory only.
Non precision approaches.
VOR: VHF omni directional range.
RNAV (GPS):
LOC: Localizer.
LDA: Localizer type directional aid.
NDB: non directional beacon.
LOC approach vs. LDA approach.
LOC: approach that gives lateral guidance to the runway. Uses a localizer antenna, which is placed
off the opposite end of the runway.
LDA: Localizer type directional aid. It is used in places where, due to terrain and other factors, the
localizer antenna array is not aligned with the runway centerline.
If the localizer is off set LESS than 30* of centerline, its considered an "offset localizer" approach, and
can have an MDA/straight in minimum.
If the localizer if off set MORE than 30* of centerline, its considered an LDA, and only descends to
CIRCLING MINIMUMS.
Different types of RNAV(GPS) approaches:
, RNAV, non-precision approach.
Lnav
Lnav/vnav
LPV
LP
Explain RNAV approach: LNAV
RNAV is a non-precision, GPS approach.
LNAV stands for lateral navigation. This requires GPS equipment, with RAIM or WAAS.
No glideslope, descend to MDA.
Explain RNAV approach: LNAV/VNAV
RNAV is a non-precision, GPS approach.
Lateral navigation with vertical navigation (glide slope). Requires GPS equipment with WAAS or
RAIM with Baro-vnav.
Descend to DA.
Explain RNAV approach: LPV
Localizer performance WITH vertical guidance.
Purposefully designed to act like an ILS approach, with increasingly sensitive glide slope, but you're
using Satellites instead of airport ground equipment.
Requires WAAS, descend to DA.
Explain RNAV approach: LP
Localizer performance WITHOUT vertical guidance.
Similar to a LOC approach except you're using satellites instead of airport ground equipment.
Lateral guidance gets increasingly sensitive.
Requires WAAS. Descend to MDA.
Explain a VOR approach.
Non precision approach.
These approaches use VOR facilities on and off the airport and may be supplemented with DME and
TACAN.
Descend to Circling minimums.
Explain RAIM:
Definition of RNAV approach:
aRea NAVigation. Typically uses GPS systems to guide you from point to point, and shoot an accurate
approach.
name some precision approaches:
ILS: instrument landing system.
GLS: GBAS landing system. (ground based approach system)
MLS: microwave landing system.
PAR: precision approach radar.
ILS vs GLS: GLS is nearly identical to the pilot as an ILS, except the pilot puts in a 5 digit code, instead
of a radio frequency.
ILS vs. MLS: Almost identical in the cockpit, but MLS requires different (more expensive) ground
equipment and receiver equipment in the plane.
What is a PAR approach.
PAR approach is a precision approach radar approach. 2 radars sense the planes vertical and lateral
position. Mainly found at military bases.
A controller gives you accurate instructions to keep you aligned with extended centerline of runway
down to DH/DA. At that point, controller guidance is advisory only.
Non precision approaches.
VOR: VHF omni directional range.
RNAV (GPS):
LOC: Localizer.
LDA: Localizer type directional aid.
NDB: non directional beacon.
LOC approach vs. LDA approach.
LOC: approach that gives lateral guidance to the runway. Uses a localizer antenna, which is placed
off the opposite end of the runway.
LDA: Localizer type directional aid. It is used in places where, due to terrain and other factors, the
localizer antenna array is not aligned with the runway centerline.
If the localizer is off set LESS than 30* of centerline, its considered an "offset localizer" approach, and
can have an MDA/straight in minimum.
If the localizer if off set MORE than 30* of centerline, its considered an LDA, and only descends to
CIRCLING MINIMUMS.
Different types of RNAV(GPS) approaches:
, RNAV, non-precision approach.
Lnav
Lnav/vnav
LPV
LP
Explain RNAV approach: LNAV
RNAV is a non-precision, GPS approach.
LNAV stands for lateral navigation. This requires GPS equipment, with RAIM or WAAS.
No glideslope, descend to MDA.
Explain RNAV approach: LNAV/VNAV
RNAV is a non-precision, GPS approach.
Lateral navigation with vertical navigation (glide slope). Requires GPS equipment with WAAS or
RAIM with Baro-vnav.
Descend to DA.
Explain RNAV approach: LPV
Localizer performance WITH vertical guidance.
Purposefully designed to act like an ILS approach, with increasingly sensitive glide slope, but you're
using Satellites instead of airport ground equipment.
Requires WAAS, descend to DA.
Explain RNAV approach: LP
Localizer performance WITHOUT vertical guidance.
Similar to a LOC approach except you're using satellites instead of airport ground equipment.
Lateral guidance gets increasingly sensitive.
Requires WAAS. Descend to MDA.
Explain a VOR approach.
Non precision approach.
These approaches use VOR facilities on and off the airport and may be supplemented with DME and
TACAN.
Descend to Circling minimums.
Explain RAIM:
