Definition
The ground-based transmitter component of a Microwave Landing System (MLS) that provides lateral (left-right) guidance to aircraft on approach. It is normally located at the stop end of the runway and emits a scanning beam that the aircraft's MLS receiver uses to determine its angular position relative to the runway centerline.
Plain English
A piece of equipment near the far end of the runway that tells an approaching aircraft whether it is lined up with the runway, or off to the left or right.
Context Anchor
Seen in instrument approach guidance, especially in discussions of MLS approach azimuth guidance.
Derivation
Azimuth comes from the Arabic 'as-sumut,' meaning 'the directions' or 'the paths.' It refers to a horizontal angle measured around a reference point. Calling it the azimuth station signals that this equipment provides horizontal direction information, as opposed to the elevation station, which provides vertical guidance.
Why Pilots Care
Provides reliable directional information when visual references are unavailable, supporting safe navigation on non-precision approaches.
Intuition Check
Do not read station as a broadcast station for general communication. Here it means a fixed piece of ground equipment that transmits approach guidance.
Example Sentence 1
The azimuth station was out of service, so the MLS approach was not available that morning.
Example Sentence 2
Azimuth stations can supplement other navigation aids when full ILS coverage is not available at the airport.