Plain English Meaning

An invisible sloped path to the runway, created by radio or satellite signals, that tells the pilot exactly how steeply to descend. The cockpit display shows whether the aircraft is on, above, or below this path.

Full Definition

A vertical guidance signal generated by ground-based or satellite-based equipment that defines the correct descent path to a runway during an instrument approach. The pilot follows it by keeping the aircraft's vertical guidance indicator centered, ensuring a stabilized descent at the proper angle to the touchdown zone.

Context Anchor

Seen in instrument approach capability descriptions and on cockpit displays during approaches that provide vertical guidance.