FAA Instrument Rating Airplane (IRA)IFR Procedures and ChartsMedium
A pilot is flying an approach to an airport with a published Localizer Type Directional Aid (LDA) approach. The LDA approach has a glideslope (GS) available. The approach minimums line is labeled 'S-LDA 27' with a Decision Altitude (DA) and visibility. What type of approach is this considered for pilot certification and aircraft equipment purposes?
- AA nonprecision approach.
- BA precision approach.
- CA Category I ILS approach.
- DA hybrid approach, considered precision only if the glideslope is used.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. A precision approach.
An LDA approach with a glideslope (LDA/GS) is considered a precision approach. While an LDA without a glideslope is nonprecision, the addition of a glideslope provides both lateral and vertical guidance, meeting the criteria for a precision approach.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. An LDA without a glideslope is nonprecision, but with a glideslope, it becomes precision.
- C. It is not an ILS, as the localizer alignment may not be straight with the runway, but it shares the precision characteristics.
- D. The presence and use of the glideslope classify it as precision, not a conditional hybrid.
LDA with Glideslope (LDA/GS)
A Localizer Type Directional Aid (LDA) approach augmented with a glideslope, providing both lateral and vertical guidance. It is classified as a precision approach.
- LDA provides lateral guidance (not necessarily runway aligned).
- Glideslope provides vertical guidance.
- With GS, it's a precision approach.
- Minimums are typically expressed as Decision Altitude (DA).
Memory trick: Precision means 'Lateral and Vertical guidance, both are essential'.