Definition
A descent path flown to the runway at a fixed, unchanging angle relative to the ground, typically around 3 degrees, maintained from the start of the final approach to the landing flare.
Plain English
A straight, steady downward path to the runway where the angle of descent stays the same the whole way down.
Context Anchor
Used during stabilized approach discussions, especially when judging whether the airplane is descending smoothly and predictably toward the runway.
Derivation
Constant' means unchanging. 'Glide path' is the angled line an aircraft follows down to the runway. Together: a glide path whose angle does not change during the descent.
Why Pilots Care
It supports a stabilized descent, improving touchdown accuracy and reducing the likelihood of go-arounds or runway excursions.
Analogy
Think of walking down a straight ramp instead of going down a staircase. The ramp gives one smooth slope all the way down; the staircase drops in separate steps.
Intuition Check
Constant-angle does not mean constant speed or constant descent rate. It means the airplane stays on the same planned downhill angle; the descent rate may change if the speed over the ground changes.
Example Sentence 1
The pilot followed the PAPI lights to maintain a constant-angle glide path of 3 degrees all the way to the threshold.
Example Sentence 2
Maintaining a constant-angle glide path helped the aircraft reach the correct touchdown zone without floating.