Which component of the Instrument Landing System provides lateral guidance on an approach?

Which component of the Instrument Landing System provides lateral guidance on an approach?

• A. Glide Slope
• B. Approach Lighting
• C. Localizer
• D. Marker Beacons

Answer: (C)

Lateral guidance on an approach is provided by the localizer. The localizer is the horizontal guidance portion of the Instrument Landing System and is aligned with the runway centerline. It transmits signals that create left–right deviation information on the cockpit’s navigation display, so you can steer to fly directly along the runway centerline. The other elements serve different roles: the glide slope supplies vertical guidance (whether you’re too high or too low on the descent path), while approach lighting and marker beacons help with situational awareness and distance cues but do not provide lateral guidance.

Lateral guidance on an approach is provided by the localizer. The localizer is the horizontal guidance portion of the Instrument Landing System and is aligned with the runway centerline. It transmits signals that create left–right deviation information on the cockpit’s navigation display, so you can steer to fly directly along the runway centerline. The other elements serve different roles: the glide slope supplies vertical guidance (whether you’re too high or too low on the descent path), while approach lighting and marker beacons help with situational awareness and distance cues but do not provide lateral guidance.