Where does the final approach segment begin on an ILS?

Where does the final approach segment begin on an ILS?

• A. Threshold crossing height.
• B. Final approach fix / glide slope intercept.
• C. Missed approach point.
• D. Runway touchdown point.

Answer: (B)

The final approach segment in an ILS starts at the glide slope intercept point, which serves as the final approach fix for a precision approach. This is the moment you first establish on the glide path while still aligned with the localizer, giving you both lateral and vertical guidance. From this point you descend along the glide slope toward the runway, continuing to the decision altitude (or height) where you must have the required visual references to land. Threshold crossing height happens near the end of the approach as you near the runway, not at the start. The missed approach point is the point where you would initiate a go-around if you don’t meet what’s needed for a landing, which occurs after you’re already on the final approach path. The runway touchdown point is simply where landing would occur, not where the final approach begins.

The final approach segment in an ILS starts at the glide slope intercept point, which serves as the final approach fix for a precision approach. This is the moment you first establish on the glide path while still aligned with the localizer, giving you both lateral and vertical guidance. From this point you descend along the glide slope toward the runway, continuing to the decision altitude (or height) where you must have the required visual references to land.

Threshold crossing height happens near the end of the approach as you near the runway, not at the start. The missed approach point is the point where you would initiate a go-around if you don’t meet what’s needed for a landing, which occurs after you’re already on the final approach path. The runway touchdown point is simply where landing would occur, not where the final approach begins.