instrument landing system

English

Noun

instrument landing system (plural instrument landing systems) (abbreviated as ILS)

1. (aviation) A collection of radio navigation aids (always including a localizer and glideslope, and often one to three marker beacons as well) used by pilots for approach guidance to a specific airport runway, especially when visibility is limited.

Coordinate terms

• VHF omnidirectional range (VOR)
• precision approach landing indicator (PAPI)
• approach lighting system (ALS)

Related terms

• instrument guidance system (IGS)
• microwave landing system (MLS)