Definition
The standard glidepath angle, measured from the horizontal, used for a normal final approach to a runway. A 3-degree descent path means the airplane loses approximately 300 feet of altitude for every nautical mile flown toward the runway, producing a stable, predictable descent rate when flown at typical approach speeds.
Plain English
It is the standard slope an airplane follows down to the runway on final approach. Imagine a gentle ramp tilted just 3 degrees below level — that is the path the airplane is meant to fly down to touchdown.
Context Anchor
Seen when discussing a normal glidepath on final approach and whether the approach is stabilized.
Derivation
Degree comes from a Latin word meaning “step.” In angle measurement, a degree is one small step around a circle. Here, 3 degrees describes the small downward angle of the airplane’s path toward the runway.
Why Pilots Care
Keeps the descent rate predictable so the pilot can configure the airplane properly, manage energy, and land safely with time to correct for wind or minor deviations.
Grounding Statement
If the airplane is about 3 nautical miles from the touchdown area, a 3 degrees path puts it roughly 900 feet above that area.
Intuition Check
Do not read 3 degrees as temperature or as a turn amount here. In this context, it means the downward angle of the airplane’s path toward the runway.
Example Sentence 1
The pilot configured the airplane early so it could settle onto the 3-degree glidepath without rushing the descent.
Example Sentence 2
Following the PAPI lights kept the airplane on a steady 3-degree path to the runway.